Henry De Silva

Despite his age Henry still acts tirelessly as an ambassador for sport in general and fencing in particular. He holds many classes every week in several of the island's schools as well as teaching an adult class. He only charges a nominal fee to cover his petrol costs. He is life president of the veterans fencing association. He won a gold medal during last years world veterans fencing championships in Australia. He regularly tavels to Eastern Europe to provide coaching for young people in Lithuania, Croatia and beyond. He also regular takes part in race-walking competitions and is a competent table-tennis player. He is a gifted teacher who has inspired several generations of young people to participate in sport. He is currently involved in introducing a medieval version of cricket to the schools on the island. He embodies the selfless giving of himself for the benefit of many others in the field of sport and I feel he would be an ideal torch-bearer. He would certainly see it as an immense honour and I feel it would be an appropriate crowning achievement for a lifetime of service.