Draughts Champ John ‘Jack’ Francis asks why

 

John ‘Jack’ Francis has been one of two names which Barbadians can without doubt say has splendidly represented the sport of draughts for Barbados and because of this, Francis asks the question as to why his name was left off the list of nominees for the recently concluded Evening of the Stars.
 
The black tie event which was hosted by the National Sports Council with the backing of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth at the Barbados Hilton, recognised and celebrated the contributions of twenty-five past and present sporting icons. The event was also the launch of a trust fund which would be catered to supporting sports persons after their career had ended. Francis believes that he has been slighted by not only being left off the list but also hurt by the fact that he had to find out about the event by reading about it in the newspaper.
 
The 8-time Barbados National Draughts Champion has had a stellar career in the sport of draughts in the local, regional and international circuit. In the years that Francis has not been national champion, he has placed either on in 2nd or 3rd place. Having played twice for the World title (2003 and 2006), once against fellow draughts stalwart, Ronald ‘Suki’ King, Francis also has a more than commendable career in the international competitions. Appointed Grand Master by the World Checkers/Draughts Federation in 2007, Francis has held the British Open Go As You Please (GAYP) title as well as the Florida Open GAYP title. He has also competed in the US Open over fifteen times and has taken the second spot twice and the third spot four times over his more than two decade career.
 
With such accolades under his belt, Francis has been left pondering what else he must do or could have done over the years to be recognised for his contributions to sport of draughts in Barbados.
 
“I feel utterly disappointed, somewhat disappointed. Since 1991 when I copped my first national title, I have won the championship 8 times. I also have many achievements of credit internationally and have remained consistent over the years. The statistics show that besides Suki King, I am the most decorated draughts player in Barbados.”
‘Jack’ as he is known to Barbadians made sure to state that he was not discrediting those who were chosen but based on statistics and consistency and also being at the top of his field for so often and so long, he should have been recognised. With over 25 years of experience and the hard work and sacrifice given to the sport and Francis felt that his dedication has been thrown by the wayside by the Barbados Draughts Association. Francis when speaking to The Barbados Advocate stated he was very confused.
 
“I makes me feel like the Association is short-sighted and has not paid attention to detail and have not considered the statistical information. I feel that this void that I feel should not have been here in the first place. I cannot figure out how I could have been overlooked or left out in regards to have such an honour conferred or bestowed on me. The World Championship is not all, you can reach the top of the field without becoming World Champion. Consistency is the key, I have shown over and over that the results were not a fluke.”
 
However there is still hope for Francis who is not the only one some have felt were omitted as missing from the list were chess, netball, football, basketball and cycling athletes.
 
Minister of Sport, Stephen Lashley stated at the Evening of the Stars that the list of Sporting Icons to be recognised is in no way exhausted and he hopes to hold the event either annually or every two years.

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