Keys to the City of Kingston for the late Shelton
Published:Wednesday | June 8, 2022 | 12:12 AMDaniel Wheeler/Staff Reporter
BOBBETTE SHELTON, wife of late Harbour View and national striker Luton Shelton, said she was appreciative of the honour bestowed on her late husband.
Shelton was awarded posthumously the Keys to the City of Kingston on Monday night at half-time of the Jamaica Premier League game between Harbour View and Montego Bay United at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex. Shelton, who died more than a year ago from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), was honoured for his contributions to football both locally and internationally in a career that spanned more than a decade.
For Bobbette, who received the award on his behalf, the honour brought his professional career full circle.
“This is an overwhelming experience, this is something that Luton would have always wanted. And I wish he was here to receive it,” Bobbette said.
“But we are honoured and grateful for this. I just want to say thank you again and I am overjoyed.”
Shelton, who grew up in the Harbour View youth system, made his professional debut in 2003 and played for three years before venturing overseas to play in Sweden, England, Norway, Turkey and Russia for the next 12 years. He would return to Habour View in 2017 to play one season before retiring. Not only was he a stalwart for Harbour View, but he also achieved milestones with the national team, becoming Jamaica’s all-time leading men’s goalscorer with 35 goals.
RECOGNISED
Bobbette said that it was the zeal and drive for the game that made Shelton respected and beloved and was glad that his contributions were being recognised in such a manner.
“This was his passion, his dream to play football. So I am happy that they recognised such a talent and decided to pay respect, and I am just grateful,” Bobette said.
Harbour View head coach Ludlow Bernard was also appreciative of the honour given to his former charge. He did not downplay the significance of the award to a local great of the sport.
“It is indeed an honour for him and for his wife to receive it on his behalf. It’s quite significant that the city and the mayor chose to recognise his contribution to local football. This is a very good gesture,” Bernard said.
Harbour View would win the game 4-0 thanks to a brace from Phillon Lawrence, as well as goals from Trayvone Reid and Colorado Murray.