The Barbados Olympic Association’s longest serving treasurer and the Barbados Volleyball Association’s longest serving president John Griffith was honoured on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, with the planting of a tree at the BOA’s Headquarters in Wildey.

Griffith who passed away last year was remembered by a large number of members of the BOA’s and BVA’s executives with his widow Carol Griffith and daughter Erica Griffith being part of the planting ceremony.

President of the BOA Sandra Osborne described the gesture as fulfilling part of the IOC’s mandate of moving towards a greener environment while honouring those persons who play small and big roles in advancing the spirit of olympism.

BVA’s president Kenmore Bynoe indicated that the Black Pearl tree was significant since all of volleyball regarded John as a Black Pearl who had done so much for local regional, and international volleyball.

“The symbolism of this ceremony is not lost on the past volleyball generation who through the work of John nurtured our growth where we found roots as players and administrators in our sport.

“Similarly, the growth of the tree and its branches will provide shade and coverage for future generations who will play our sport and perhaps gain scholarships and international opportunities, thanks to John,” said Bynoe.