WENDELL "MICEY" WALLACE RECEIVES AWARD
One of the individuals receiving an award at the unsung heroes’ awards ceremony, was Wendell MICEY Wallace It is with great honour that we introduce the Unsung Hero for St. James’ Parish, Mr. Wendel A. Wallace.
Mr. Wallace began his sporting career playing football for his village team and successfully earned a place on the Nevis National Football Team in the early 1990s. His passion for sports also extended to cricket, where he played for the Highlights International Cricket Team. During his time with the organization, he also served as an executive member and was part of the management team for several years.
For more than ten years, he has proudly represented the Masters Cricket Team. Additionally, he has dedicated over fifteen years to the development of young cricketers through the Cricket Grassroots Programme, where he currently works with a group of more than fifty boys and girls. Over the years, he has remained committed to giving back to his Alma Mater, the Violet O. Jeffers-Nicholls Primary School, assisting with almost every sporting activity hosted by the school. His coaching experience includes serving as coach for the Nevis Under-13 and Under-15 Football Teams for more than six years. He currently serves as the coach of the New Vision Togetherness Cricket Team.
One of his most significant achievements was the establishment of the Wendel A. Wallace Cricket Academy, which officially opened on August 24, 2024. The academy currently serves more than forty
young cricketers, both boys and girls, providing them with opportunities to develop their skills and grow in the sport. In 2024, he travelled with young cricketers to Anguilla for a cricket tour, where the team performed exceptionally well and emerged victorious, winning every match they played. He has also recently returned from another successful cricket tour in St. Maarten, continuing his commitment to providing young athletes with valuable opportunities for exposure, competition, and development.
Further demonstrating his dedication to the advancement of cricket in Nevis, he served as an executive member of the Nevis Cricket Association for more than five years. Through his many years as a player, coach, administrator, mentor, and community sports advocate, he has made a significant contribution to the development of football and cricket in Nevis, particularly through his dedication to nurturing and inspiring the next generation of young athletes. For these reasons, Mr. Wendel Wallace is truly deserving of the honour as our Unsung Hero for St.James’ Parish. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and commend him for his exceptional service and continued dedication to the people of Nevis.
MANJAKER THE SUPER ATHLETE
The late star footballer on Nevis and general sporting figure, Manjaker Claxton, who later resided in the BVI and then Antigua, was interviewed in the year 2024.
During that interview, the well-rounded sportsman indicated that he umpired cricket matches in the BVI for over twenty plus years.
Asked what inspired him to do so, he stated that sometimes when he went to watch some of the games, they did not have umpires and so he volunteered his services. He also spoke about his exploits as a top footballer and listed some of the many teams that he represented, noting that he played almost every
position on the field, including goal keeper. He fondly recalls his bets game, when he scored the
only goal for the BVI in St. Vincent versus the national team there. In terms of his best game as a cricketer, he recalled a game versus Nevis at the AO Shirley Recreation ground, while representing the BVI. “When I got to the crease, we were 30 plus for 7. Hobson and I put on a partnership of over 100 runs and I eventually was not out on 80 plus.” His best bowling figures in a local BVI game, he collected all 10 wickets in one innings versus the Bucks. He also played softball and almost made the national team.
