For almost all his life he has been contributing significantly to the development of sports in Barbados, particularly football, and at age 66, Keith “Grell” Griffith is still deeply passionate about giving of his talent and time to the sport.
Griffith said at the moment there were a lot of good sporting activities in Barbados but professionalism was lacking, something he believes he possesses.
“Unless we get professionals we are just going to fall by the wayside as time goes by,” he said.
“Sports not only helps you to develop as a person, physically it gives you a good life and it teaches you to be disciplined and to be well organised.
“I started out at age six. So sports has always been a part of my life and I stay this long in it because it has been good to me . . . you know, helping young people develop their skills and discipline. That is important to me. I have had many challenges but with God by my side there is nothing that is too hard to achieve,” he said.
Griffith, who served as a national coach and technical advisor before, was educated at the Wesley Hall Boys’ School and St Leonard’s Secondary School.
He remembers how many times he represented the country in football.
“I was Barbados’ national coach previously and I captained the Barbados team for a number of years. I playedfor the country about 120 times. I served as captain on a number of occasions.
I am also a five-time Barbados road tennis champion. In my last tennis escapade, so to speak, I won the Nelson Mandella Masters in 1990,” he said.
The avid sports player said he was born in the New Orleans and that was where he played most of his games in his early life. Because of his significant contribution to sports for a period of 50 years, Griffith was recently rewarded.
“I am humbled, blessed and honoured to be given the prestigious award of Barbados Service Star by the Prime Minister and government of Barbados. I hope that it will be an inspiration and motivation to persons who come from the lower echelons, since I was born right over there in the church of the New Orleans, and I played all my football and road tennis over in that area. The award is for my people, for my family and the fans,” said Griffith, as he spoke to the DAILY NATION from a seat in Jubilee Gardens.
The Wildey Gardens resident said his passion to continue contributing to the sport will not stop anytime soon. In fact, Griffith said because of his expertise skills and knowledge and because he wanted to see more and more young people developed in the discipline of football, he applied for a post with the Barbados National Football Association but he was awaiting a response.
“Basically, I have applied to the Barbados Football Association for the technical director role since February. They have had a lot of foreign technical directors but never a local one and I would like to let that be my crowning moment and my final contribution, so to speak, to football. I leave it in God’s hand.
He said a part of his motivation came from visiting some areas such as Jubilee Gardens and the Kensington Oval, places which brought back good childhood memories. He further advised young people to “Keep away from drugs and illegal activities. Try to live a Godly and healthy life”.
