Guernsey basketball stalwart honoured

MASTER statistician Barry Robilliard was last night crowned as the second Bedell Outstanding Sports Volunteer at Beau Sejour.

The basketball stalwart, who has been involved with the sport since 1974 and a volunteer for around the last 30 of those years, was one of 17 nominations for the award.

He beat off strong competition from Paul Brehaut (cycling), Denise Bourgaize (netball) and Richard Skipper (volleyball), who made up the four-person shortlist, to follow in the footsteps of last year's winner, Barry Bartlett.

Robilliard was proud to be recognised.

'I am delighted, although like all volunteers in any sport, it isn't the reason why I do it,' said the 62-year-old.

'We all do it because we love the sport and, because of that, it is no hardship at all.'

This year also saw the introduction of a new award, for an outstanding young volunteer under the age of 18.

There were four nominees and the winner was 15-year-old Ceejay Merrien, who helps with the timing in various athletics events throughout the season.