A community centre in Angle Street was renamed the Sammy Wilson Central Zone Community Centre yesterday to honour a Bermudian sportsman who was its custodian for almost 50 years.

The centre, a long-time community hub in the north of the city, was given its new name to honour Mr Wilson, a noted tennis player.

Tributes were also paid to Clarence Hill, Bermuda’s only Olympic medal-winner, with the facility’s gym being renamed the Clarence Hill Multi-Purpose Gymnasium.

Lovitta Foggo, the Minister of Labour, Community Affairs and Sport, led the renaming ceremony at a block party on the street.

Ms Foggo said: “The late Sammy Wilson was an avid sports enthusiast, tennis player and youth community activist during his time, and anybody from this area will recognise that.

“Sammy wanted the best for his children and individuals living in these surrounding neighbourhoods. He envisioned a place where the community could come together and thrive, so he created the centre.

“Since its inception, it has become a place where seniors, community groups, entrepreneurs and young people have come together at a venue that is welcoming and supportive.”

Ms Foggo also paid tribute to Mr Hill, who she said had helped put Bermuda on the map.

She said: “All Bermuda appreciates the success he had in the boxing arena, both locally and internationally. Clarence Hill has the distinction of being the only Bermudian thus far to have won an Olympic medal.

“As an inductee into our Bermuda Sports Hall of Fame, without a doubt he is considered one of our greatest athletes of any [generation].”

Ms Foggo added that the renaming of the facility, known as Pembroke Youth Centre or PYC in the glory days, will also help “history come alive” for young Bermudians who might not have known about the pair of athletes.

She said: “They didn’t come up in that era and they don’t know Mr Wilson, but after today it is someone they will know and they will know they are able to come here because of Sammy Wilson.

“Many of your young people, who are 10 and under, they don’t know who Clarence Hill is. They don’t know that there’s a Bermudian who is still living who actually won an Olympic medal. They will know from today onwards that we have an Olympic champion in our midst.”

Ms Foggo also presented Mr Hill with a $10,000 cheque in belated recognition of his Olympic success.

The sum matches that awarded to triathlete Flora Duffy and high jumper Clarance “Nicky” Saunders for their gold-medal success at the Commonwealth Games in 2018 and 1990 respectively.

Among the numerous events put on by the Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation was an impromptu sparring session featuring Hill and Adrian Roach, a 17-year-old just starting out on his boxing journey.

Dexter Smith, Editor of The Royal Gazette and godson of Mr Wilson, who passed away in 2009, said his godfather had supported many young people through his work at the centre, including himself, and in the community at large.

Mr Smith said: “Sammy’s guiding hand at PYC helped to fulfil the needs of many a youngster, male and female alike.

“These young people were in search of direction or simply required an outlet.”

Randy Rochester, another graduate of the PYC and now the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Works, said the facility had made a difference in the lives of many young people.

Mr Rochester said: “It is a tremendous asset to the community and it has been there for a number of young people over the years who have gone on to be outstanding members of the community.

“A lot of young men and women have been mentored there; it kept them on the straight and narrow.”

He added that Mr Wilson mentored many young people. “He was kind of a father figure for many. He was always there for us.”