A FORMER Jersey Football Association president has been formally recognised in Africa for his extensive charity work across the continent.
Ricky Weir, also known for creating the Jersey 2 Africa 4 Football Foundation (J2A) in 2013, received the ‘African Football Ambassador’ award at the 7th Africa Illustrious Awards on 6 June in Lagos, Nigeria.
The prestigious awards ceremony saw the J2A founder appear alongside some of African football’s most revered sporting figures – including members of Nigeria’s legendary 1994 World Cup squad.
International recognition is nothing new for the Islander, who received the prestigious Pegasus Literary Ward in Catollica, Italy earlier this year for his memoir ‘Illegitatimely Blessed’.
Originally from Glasgow, Ricky Weir built a prolific playing career spanning more than 1,000 competitive matches and over 600 goals before moving into coaching and football administration.
Mr Weir – who was adopted as a baby by a Scottish couple – used the book to explore themes of identity, race and belonging through the prism of football.
Central to the book’s global appeal was his artfully rendered account of falling in love with Africa after visiting Nairobi in 2012 for a grassroots coaching trip.
This initial trip led to Mr Weir continuing his work through the J2A foundation, a non-for-profit charitable that provides coaching and support to underserved communities across the continent.
Mr Weir’s triumph at the 7th Africa Illustrious Awards sees his philanthropic and footballing efforts come full circle.
“When I first hear about the award I was stunned,” he told the JEP.
“I felt pleasantly surprised, deeply honoured and privileged to be recognised by such a prestigious event – one that celebrates not just football or sport, but the whole spectrum of arts, business and entertainment.”
He added: “To be in that company and to get called up to the stage to receive an award – even though I am not based in that country – is an exceptionally proud and fulfilling feeling.
“I don’t do what I do for awards, but I’m deeply gratified to be recognised. It’s certainly one of the proudest moments of my life in terms of recognition.”
