THE newly elected chair of the Jersey Sports Council has said he will devote the ‘time and passion’ needed to build on the legacy left by his predecessor, the late Hugh Raymond.
Steve Pallett was elected at the council’s AGM last month following Raymond’s death.
Jersey Hockey’s Ian Cuming was elected a vice-chair with stalwart Bernard Cooper re-elected as treasurer.
‘I hope I can provide the leadership that the Jersey Sports Council needs. I have the time and the passion in sport to build on the legacy left by Hugh over many years as chair of the JSC,’ said Pallett.
‘It’s important at this crucial time for sport and recreation in Jersey that the Jersey Sports Council follow its mission statement by “providing an independent voice for collective sports and recreation in Jersey”. No other representative body can say that they are truly independent and I will seek to ensure that the voices of members are heard at whatever level it takes from pitchside to the States Assembly,’ he added.
Pallett has long been a champion for sport in the Island, having previously held political responsibility for the sector in the States Assembly.
Last week, the JSC held their first formal general committee meeting for 2023 and among the agenda items were off-Island travel, sports facilities, a survey to members and possible charitable status but they are looking to members to guide them on the challenging issues they face.
Formed in 1972, the JSC will also be looking to mark their 50th anniversary and continue to celebrate local sport through its annual awards.
The JSC are also looking to appoint a new secretary after Ali Wade of the Jersey Softball Association stepped down and a president, the role which Raymond was expected to take on having already expressed his wish to step down as chair.
In an open letter, the JSC said that it wished to ‘recognise the huge part that Hugh played in sport both within government and with the Jersey Sports Council over many years.
‘He was involved closely with several sports but his passion for all sports shone through and he was a great supporter of all those who give up their time to volunteer to ensure sport could flourish. All those who worked alongside Hugh saw a man who worked tirelessly to promote the benefit of sport to the local community especially the less mainstream sports that needed a voice. We will all miss his contribution to sport in Jersey but Hugh will not be forgotten and JSC are currently thinking how best we can honour Hugh’s memory.’
