Former Bermuda Olympic Association president Judy Simons has been honoured by Centro Caribe Sports for her contribution to sport in the region.

Simons, who is soon to retire as president of the federation’s ethics committee after 12 years was caught by surprise with the presentation, during which she was praised by various officials from the federation.

“She is a woman of strength and a woman of leadership,” a video address said.

“We will surely miss her and we celebrate her as she is one of us and because she is simply a woman of strength. We wish her all the best and we know she will continue her contribution.”

Simons was then presented with a memorial plaque and gave a speech reflecting on her life and her time with the federation.

“I started sports when I was seven and that’s nearly 70 years ago now,” Simons said at the congress being held in Santiago, Chile, alongside the Pan American Games.

“Sports has been my entire life. I love playing sports and I love administration so I’ve been very blessed with how I’ve moved forward in this great life of mine.

“I didn’t expect this at all. Everyone kept saying you need to stay involved but change is important for growth in our organisation.

“CCS is continuing to try to move forward and I’m a huge advocate for women, we do need more women on the executive board.

“We all complain about different things in life. We complain about sport but if you want to be part of a grateful and huge organisation, you have to take part and contribute. Don’t stay behind the scenes, give your views. They may not be agreed with but they will be heard.

“I’m forever grateful and I’m actually humbled by this award. I certainly didn’t expect it. I’ve enjoyed being on the many administrative boards that I have had the honour to serve with. It’s been a great journey. I have done 12 years with the CCS and I’ve been through the good, the bad and the ugly. Thank you all very much.”

Keith Joseph, the president of the Dominican Olympic committee, paid his tribute to Simons in an earlier video address

“Judy has always been very helpful to me,” he said.

“Since I joined the NOC she has been my counsel and has been a wealth of experience. She was the first one to open up and be very friendly to me.

“I remember sitting at the bar the first time I met her and having some very hard conversations. She has been one of my mentors and I am super happy every time I’m around her. She helps me to learn as much as I can about the NOC.”