Junior Sportsman of the Year, Footballer Cornelius Stewart, is glad that his efforts have been recognised.{{more}}

Stewart, who is currently with the Vancouver Whitecaps in the United Soccer League in Canada, told SEARCHLIGHT last Monday evening in a telephone interview from Vancouver that whilst he was unaware of his nomination, he thought his hard work and persistence had paid off.

“It will just help me to keep working hard and encourage me more,” Stewart, who is considered one of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ brightest prospects, said.

In gaining the award and $1000, the 20-year-old Stewart beat middle distance athlete Delhonni Nicol- Samuel; cyclist Shimano Bailey, Squash player Jules Snagg; Basketballer Otis Hector; Cricketer Atticus Browne, and Tennis player J’Rai Joyette- Da Silva, who were the other nominees.

Stewart was additionally happy, since he had missed out on the 2008 awards, when he was nipped by Squash player Kevin Hannaway.

He was the lone goal scorer in this country’s memorable win over Haiti in the Caribbean Football Union Under-20 Finals that was played here in January 2009.

Stewart, however, said his focus now was on gaining more playing time and a break into the first team.

Stewart recently signed a one-year contract with the club, which has seen him being involved in pre-season tours.

He told SEARCHLIGHT that he wants to be among the list of players who will make up the club’s roster when they make their debut in Major League Soccer in 2011. (RT)