Dear Sir,

I paused during Fresh TV's Cup Match trophy presentation while at my desk to actually listen to the words of the men who spoke eloquently about this weekend's match.

The first person to catch my attention was the Somerset captain. The next speaker described the reason that Charlie Marshall would indeed play one more time. He reiterated his admonition to detractors, affirming that irrespective of what they thought of the selectors' decision; Charlie is an "inspiration".

Good call, selection committee.

It was unfortunate but necessary to declare your decision to an often unthinking and unappreciative public who was prepared to cast aside a cherished treasure in exchange for unbridled youth.

If those fresh faced youngsters on the respective teams are to flourish, there must be veterans alongside to model, to encourage and to inspire.

Charlie Marshall certainly earned that entitlement. His humility was apparent in his opening remarks – thanking the heavenly Father for health. He went on to pay tribute to the fans, the selection committee and spectators. With rising emotion he talked about 27 years of entertaining the Bermuda public and of training hard. As he began a tribute to Janeiro Tucker, I felt the need to get up to watch the screen.

I had already reflected upon Minister Paula Cox's words, spoken earlier, that had set the tone for what I was beginning to feel was the sighting of the Best of Bermuda in one place.

I've seen this ceremony many times in the past but it was the words that held particular meaning this time. In stark contrast to the weekend's articles that featured victims of violence, I felt uplifted as I watched the players dressed in their traditional blazers, giving the nod to protocol and politicians, esteeming their opponents, poking fun at one another and I thought, "this is what Bermuda champions look like" and thought "there is hope".

After more than 100 years there remains tradition worthy of praise and the ceremony is one of them. It serves as a model to all who watched that this is how the game of life can be played; with respect for others, hard work, discipline and strategic planning.

Then I heard Lionel Cann who began his remarks with things I had been thinking about as previous speakers reflected upon the match.

His words were put in the context of concern about Bermuda's current "social and educational" situation and Bermuda's overpopulated prison.

How ironic, I thought when he summarised what I'd felt throughout, when he chose a word to crystalise the moment and spoke of "hope". He shared the fullness of what had challenged the resolve of the team as their hopes of winning faded but for a lecture on "mental toughness".

History will record the true meaning of what was discussed during that locker room lecture by the result.

May the words we heard live on in the minds of the young people who came, listened and watched. My hope is that they are able to connect the dots to reveal a picture of how to set goals and achieve greatness.

Congratulations to the Trojans and the Colts. You follow a proud tradition that exemplifies the best about Bermudians and gives us hope!!

LINDA W. HORTON