SportGibraltar

A reader's letter from far away

Currently living in Toronto, Canada

I saw Tommy Finlayson and Clive Clinton at the ICC world cup qualifiers three years ago, and wondered how to find out more about Gibraltar sport, so your site is very welcome!!

El Generalisimo (Franco) chose to close the border on my 16th birthday a bit inconsiderate! and now I read about the Gibraltar Rugby Club, GABA and GAAA participating in competitions with teams from the Campo and Amdalucia- this is awesome, sport is such a beautiful way to build contacts understanding and friendship - and some of the names of the players and association officials - John Goncalves, Clive Clinton and then the sons, (not that old that they should be grandsons) of people that I played with for GCC, Joe Buzaglo et al - anyhow if any one can cast their minds back to the early 1960.s, I am Simon Allen, son of the late, great, Ralph Allen of Barclay's Bank - my word. Sport in Gib has come a long way in the last 40 odd years, so my congratulations to all involved in these important initiatives to build linkages through competition

My email,( please no nonsense stuff) is simon.allen@sympatico.ca = I never made the NBA, or played above county levelrugby, but now I support my son who plays elite level rughy in Canada, and remain active in club administration

I wlll be 60 in a couple of weeks, (we are all getting up there)- heard a wonderful quote at a Neil Innes concert in Toronto on Wednesday "survived the 60's once and nowI have to do it all over again!"

Neil of the Ruttles fame

Some contemporaries in addition to those mentioned = Jimmy Blackshaw, the two Charles, Dellipiani and Montegriffo. The Flowers bros of GAAA and 1958 commonwealth Games fame, and the failing mind shuts down!!

Best wishes for your future success in sport and thanks for the site to keep track of the results and programs

Simon Allen