'Bragging rights' a sign of how sports culture has changed
AS WITH most people I am a product of the environment into which I was born. The values which were instilled into me as a child are, to this day, apart from religion, still the guidelines by which I live my life. The local culture has changed a lot here in Guernsey. If an individual or a team wins something, they now have 'bragging rights' and many do take what they regard as the right to brag. That never was the case even only 30 years ago. Many elderly Guerns like myself find it difficult to support the people who represent the island in sport because we cannot identify with them.
Years ago I was involved with what was then the most popular bar sport, darts, back in the '60s and '70s.
When the London House were playing the Western United at the Longfrie a bus was hired to transport the team and supporters. That was how popular darts was in those days.
Someone back then once asked me: 'Are you the such-and-such who plays for such-and-such'? I replied jokingly, yes, they needed someone who they could rely on. He immediately turned on me, saying you don't talk about yourself like that.
I often think of my mother's words, spoken when I was a lad so long ago: 'Self-praise is no recommendation.'
These days it seems anything goes. We see people on TV telling us how good they are.
Most of my generation and I are not impressed.
I never kept any of my trophies. What I did keep and will always are the memories of the many friends I made through the game of darts and other activities.
Name and address withheld.
