The British high commissioner, David Snoxell, welcomed Michael Glover at a ceremony in Westminster House last Wednesday to present him with the title of Honorary Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, which has not been awarded to any other Mauritian since 1972. The guests included the minister of Youth and Sports, Ravi Yerrigadoo, and the new secretary general of the Duke of Edinburgh?s Award International Association, David Mason.

Michael Glover, who has, as David Snoxell pointed out, ?been a keen sportsman all his life,? had expressed his desire to receive this great distinction in Mauritius rather than from the hands of the Queen. ?I wanted to be surrounded by my friends and members of my family,? he explains, adding: ?It was also special because members of the award were present.?

As the British high commissioner outlined his achievements, Michael Glover was overwhelmed by memories of the various events in which he played a part, all of which were ?pure pleasure? for him. He has long been involved in the sports sector at the national level and was the chief executive of the 2003 Indian Ocean Island Games. Its success earned him the National Unity Award in the last Independence Day celebrations.