Maharoof's vision for the OWSC

Richard DWIGHT

Ivor Maharoof, the newly elected President of the Old Wesleyites Sports Club (OWSC) lost no time on impressing on the membership through his New Year 'message and greetings' that he, as in the past was committed to the club's mission and would as well be guided by the words in the College song "Pray and Labour on - Wesley to the Fore".

In nostalgic vein he went down the years, to remind members that the club's revival in 1990 was brought about with little or no fanfare, in a small way and, having for its 'Club House' a historic Railway carriage to live out the truism 'Small is Beautiful'.

And for the benefit of those who weren't aware, Maharoof explained that with the coming to be of the Railway carriage as the club's first phase, that years later in 1996 it completed its second phase, which was marked by the opening of a solid new building which did give rise to additional facilities, such as the billiards room and squash courts.

Nor was that all, for according to him the club has lived upto its aim and objective of fostering sports at Wesley in various ways. Some of which were the donating of cricket materials yearly with brand new matchings, wickets, boundary ropes etc; this in addition to special projects organised to raise funds for, setting up the gymnasium, and more recently the funding of the newly acquired state-of-the-art bowling machine. Needless to say, that cricket apart, sports like Rugby and Hockey too has been a benefactor of the OWSC - not to mention the significant contributions made by the club to many Wesleyites who had been selected to represent the country at the school or senior level. He was magnanimous enough to acknowledge that all this and more, wouldn't have been achieved, were it not for the untiring efforts of the past presidents, their committees and members.

Maharoof conscious of the years rolling by within a rapidly changing world, made the forthright comment that the future of the OWSC does not rest on the ageing and elderly, but on the younger members - and that it was opportune to take note of their views and aspirations, giving them responsibilities as the club now embarks on its third phase of development.

The third phase development of the club which is to be initiated shortly, will entail amongst others, the Landscaping of the garden, the Family Lounge, re-furnishing of the carriage, a state-of-the-art conference auditorium and changing from plastic to wooden furniture.

In the light of that which is envisaged, Maharoof humbly appealed to all members, to rally round to ensure that which is planned for the future betterment of the club, becomes a reality."