I know Delroy Alexander’s family were really chuffed this week when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II award him the 16th Commonwealth Point of Light in honour of his exceptional service leading sports development programmes for disadvantaged young people across the Caribbean. Coming on the Independence day of his beautiful home island Saint Lucia, 22nd February 2018; it was a great day for all.
A press release this week confirmed: In the lead-up to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London on 19-20 April, Her Majesty The Queen – as Head of the Commonwealth – thanked inspirational volunteers across the 52 Commonwealth nations for the difference they are making in their communities and beyond.
By sharing these stories of service, the Heads of Government meeting will celebrate inspirational acts of volunteering across the Commonwealth and help inspire others to make their own contribution to tackling some of the greatest social challenges of our time.
Delroy Alexander is the Chairman of the ‘Sacred Sports Foundation,’ which helps disadvantaged young people aged 6-25 through inclusive sports development programmes. Delroy works in low-income areas to help young people access sport, specifically targeting women and girls, children with additional needs, and youth offenders on probation. Partnering with the ‘St. Lucia Football Association’, Delroy has trained 70 sports coaches in St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada, helping them to mentor local young people and improve their skills and confidence through sports.
Each Commonwealth Point of Light will receive a personalised certificate signed by Her Majesty The Queen as Head of the Commonwealth. The award for Delroy Alexander will be presented by Steve McCready, the Resident British Commissioner in St. Lucia.
Delroy Alexander said: “I am honoured to receive this prestigious award, for which I feel humbled and very appreciative. The award recognises volunteering and in my context this is a true testament to the dedication and hard work of the many youth and community leaders, the young men and women, that I have had the privilege of learning from over the past decade. St. Lucia’s youth continue to inspire me and our organisation, the Sacred Sports Foundation, to work harder and seek more sustainable answers for the challenges they continue to face.”
Steve McCready, Resident British Commissioner in St. Lucia said: “Delroy’s recognition as St Lucia’s Commonwealth Point of Light is well deserved. His commitment and passion for youth development through sport has been a positive influence in the lives of many young people in St Lucia.”
The Commonwealth is a diverse community of 52 nations that work together to promote prosperity, democracy and peace. The Heads of Government meeting will bring together leaders from all the 52 Member countries to reaffirm common values, address shared global challenges and agree how to work to create a better future for all citizens, especially young people. Voluntary service is a vital part of this agenda, which is why Her Majesty The Queen has chosen to recognise outstanding volunteers across the Commonwealth in this special way.
