TORONTO, Canada – Another sporting organisation has recognised the unmistakable contribution the late Guyanese Norman Augustus Sue made to the Toronto community, not only in the field of sports but culturally.
The late stalwart and prominent businessman, who was the founder and owner of Norman Sue Bakery situated in Scarborough, Toronto, passed away on October 7 last. Singing the praises at its 33rd annual awards presentation, held last Sunday night at Easton Banquet Hall here, the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) pointed out that it had reserved a special moment for a special person who was associated with it for over 30 years.
According to SCA Public Relations Officer Richard Ramlall, who is also the first president of the association, he met Sue in 1971 and from the onset, the late businessman never failed to support cricket or any other sport that took place in Scarborough.
Ramlall disclosed that the entire family has been extremely good to the SCA and has been supporting every occasion or event it staged but sadly he wasn’t there on Sunday night.
Ramlall referred to the well-known Festival Weekends which were held in the eighties during the Canada Day holiday celebrations at Ashtonbee Park, alluding to the fact that Sue and his entire family came out and gave tremendous support. He described the family as a great source of inspiration and great motivators to the sporting community.
Sports apart, Ramlall credited the late owner of Norman Sue Bakery for serving and helping his community and his excellent work ethics he had possessed over the years, pointing to the fact that he treated his employees like his own family.
Sue, Ramlall said, always strove to help those who were struggling not only in the SCA but also in Victoria Park. “He was a man of all seasons and contributed a lot. He has served the community very well, advertising his native Guyana through his products.”
Ramlall reminded the audience that sponsorship of the Norman Sue Second Division Trophy started in the eighties and has never ceased since. He posited that the SCA will not see someone like the late Sue for a long time to come.
Sue’s daughter Kim expressed thanks to the SCA for the love and support shown to her father and family over the years and also during his passing.
According to Kim, It was wonderful to see the sport of cricket being kept alive by the SCA and further thanked the executives for remembering her late father with a plaque. A minute of silence was also observed as part of the occasion.
The late Sue, who died at age 66 after a prolonged illness, migrated to Canada in 1971 after living in Georgetown and later Linden, Upper Demerara.
Meanwhile, the SCA also took the time to recognise the valued contribution from the City of Toronto Parks and Recreation in the playing off of its fixtures and the many sponsors who have played an integral part in its ongoing programmes.
According to the SCA, in its brochure: “At a time when cricket is gaining more global recognition than ever, we are dedicated and committed to making our association a recognisable and progressive one for the game.
“We are especially thankful for our partnership with the city of Toronto Parks & Recreation for their unwavering support, one that has aided the successful completion of the re-developed Ashtonbee grounds.
“We are proud to be supported by a group of incredible sponsors who can always be relied upon for their assistance. Most importantly, we are privileged to have arguably the most respectable and adhering membership.
“We value your continuous support in the growth and success of the SCA. We will work to build on our success and be outstanding ambassadors of our league. We look forward to your continued support and participation in 2014.”
Written By Frederick Halley