Ollie inducted into the Hall of Fame today
By Joan Rampersad (Trinidad Newsday)
Oliver Camps, 77, one of the most distinguished sports administrators in the country over a period that spans almost five decades will be inducted into First Citizens Sports Foundation’s Hall of Fame today at the Crowne Plaza.
The current president of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association and the Harvard Club told Newsday about the induction, “It came all of a sudden. It’s something I never expected in my life. I didn’t do things with that in mind. I just did what I had to do, got enjoyment out of it and the people I was doing it for got what was required.”
Camps stated that he was always sports-minded and as a child, played every game, whether it was cricket, football, basketball, cycling, hockey, lawn tennis, etc. He was also an ardent hunter. He said he even did boxing because it was all about enjoying the sport itself.
Camps has been involved in sports for more than 50 years, first as an active player of every sporting discipline, with the exception of swimming, and later as an administrator.
After plying football and cricket for the Harvard Club, Camps served as the Club’s secretary for more than 25 years before being elected as president in 1991, a post that he holds to this date.
He said, “I am very happy to be recognised. With all the ups and downs I never expected that to happen. I believe in the Almighty who has given me over the years, the health, strength, determination and will to do what I had to do, despite the challenges and the consequences. I was not deterred,” said an emotional Camps.
His many achievements are reflected in the part he has played in the development of local, regional and international football. He has served in key positions in the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF), the Caribbean Football Union (CFU), Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) and Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).
Camps, who was also instrumental in promoting cricket in the country and the region, as well as given support to other sporting disciplines, was also a recipient of the TT Olympic Sports Personality Award in 2001.
As a businessman, Camps has given much of his life to the establishment and success of the Maritime Insurance Company Limited of which at present, he holds the top post of Chairman.
A gracious Camps then expressed his thanks to all of those who encouraged him over the years. He said:
“Believe me I needed all the encouragement in the world and the support to do what I had to do. I must thank Jack Warner who stood by my side in times of difficulty, my family for their patience especially having to be away from them so much.”
the Harvard Club where it has been a pleasure to represent and then serve, and my employers the Maritime Financial Group for allowing me the privilege to serve in my capacity as a national football administrator over the years, as well as their support through sponsorship over the period.”
