Rise up fallen fighters, Rise and take your stance again — Bob Marley
A popular phrase currently raging, specifically among the Black community, in much of the western world is ‘the emasculation of the male’, where men are being deprived of their leadership role and identity.
Such loss of capacity and distinction is being none more felt than at many of Bermuda’s grass-roots institutions, particularly sporting clubs, where women have been increasingly called to fill traditional male leadership positions.
Newly elected president of Somerset Cricket Club (SCC), Richard Scott, while appreciative of female contributions to the modern progression within these institutions, wants to see men share more in the responsibility clubs have within local communities.
“I think what we’re seeing community wide is what some have coined as ‘the emasculation of the male’,” said Scott on the occasion of Saturday’s Rudy Minors Memorial Football Tournament at SCC. “And I think one of the things that is going to be key is getting men involved, reminding them of how men were the leaders and letting them know that we still have a responsibility to be there.
“We’re not discounting the efforts and contributions that the females are making, as they are doing a wonderful job, but we want to encourage the males and let them know, ‘We need you. We need you for the stability and revitalisation of the organisation’.”
Noting the importance of a collective effort in enabling clubs to inspire communities out of the burdensome morass of anti-social behaviour and moral degradation, Scott highlighted his club’s current push for positive collaboration as a means for encouraging sustained upward mobility, a tried, true philosophy that served well the early founders.
“That’s the word, ‘community’,” said Scott. “And one of our main thrusts this year is based in the slogan, ‘Forward Together’, which is an idea we came up with, not only as something for our club members, but one that engages the entire community.
“We recognise that we have the responsibility in Somerset to be a trailblazer leading the way in our community, so we must therefore engage the entire community and that’s our thrust.
“It’s not just about football and cricket, our major sports, but we really want to engage the entire community to not just get the other sports back, such a softball and netball for the ladies, but, if basket weaving is your thing, then we want to bring that to the club as well.
“We’re really looking to engage our entire community. We know that we’re not likely to reach everyone, but we want to provide for a wider range of the community.
“Today has been a good indication that there is energy in the community for positive activity, because there is a lot of negativity around.
“We recognise that there is an element in our community that’s causing much concern, but we want to provide a positive outlet, and we’re getting there.”
The past week has been filled with collective efforts and fellowship, with the club celebrating its 97th year in existence.
Starting with attendance at Somerset Methodist Church on Sunday, a Monday members’ appreciation night, Sweetheart Bingo on Tuesday, a Wednesday games night featuring euchre, dominoes and various card games, Thursday’s members’ happy hour, a Friday night Presidents’ Dinner, Saturday’s football tournament and a hoped for victorious Premier Division contest against Hamilton Parish at Wellington Oval, Scott noted the week to have been busily enjoyable.
“It’s been a wonderful welcome back to the community, with the celebratory anniversary week that we’ve had,” said Scott, who has returned to the role of president after stepping away from the position several years ago. “The last two years, we’ve been unable to do anything extensive due to the Covid pandemic.
“So, we think what we’ve seen this week in the form of community support and that of the members, has made for a great, hectic week of activities, that has been an enjoyable time for us all.
“Yesterday (Saturday), as you can see, it’s been a wonderful turnout here at the club with the Rudy Minors Memorial Football Tournament.
“We have the Masters Division, so featured were Somerset, St George’s, PHC and North Village, so it’s been a great week.” The day saw the retirement of the number three jersey of Minors, one of the greatest footballers and team captains in the history of the club, and a man indicative of the character and headship Scott spoke of as being essential for positive growth.
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