Good Afternoon Senators, and listening audience my name is 
Alva Swan affectionately known as Coach Tumba.  First, I would 
like to Thank Senator Blyden for this honor.  Mr. Blyden has been 
offering me this honor for years, but I kept saying “its’ not about 
me” But as time went by people in my camp told me to take what 
is yours so here we are today. 
I would like to thank my two older cousins Verne Lynch and Keith 
Burner for teaching me the game as a youth.  Ever since I just had 
a passion for the game.  Then I remember going to the local man 
league games.  Seeing players like CB Benjamin, Bodo, and 
Robert “X” Gumbs, Corby Calendar, Molik Petersen, Audi 
Henneman, and so may many more... 
Then as time went by, I got into coaching because of my two sons 
who were playing at the time, so I started coaching and that 
where this career begun.  I want to thank certain coaches who 
were there with me along the way Selly Frett, and Ray Archibald, 
who to this day are with me to help coach the youth. 
I want to be thankful to certain organizations like Zero Tolerance, 
Boyd Todman, Jaime Francis, and Terrance Lake for always 
hosting tournaments for the youths that give me opportunities to 
bring teams. 
Thanks to the Audi Henneman legacy League, the Roy Petersen 
Foundation for also providing leagues and tournaments for the 
youth. 
Throughout the 30 + years thousands of youths have played for 
our organization.  Many of whom have grown into adults and to 
this very day have the same love and respect for me as I have 
shown to them.  And I am very Thankful to everyone. 
Special Thanks goes to my son, Aswad Swan & Ahijah Swan.  
Special mention of Kareem Chippo Pinney who we lost recently 
but he will always be a part of our team for life!! 
 
Final Thanks goes out to the many players: 
Curtis Tongue 
Jeff Roberts 
Akil Lewis 
Ricki Martin 
Karim 
Jevon Philpot 
Alayah Boston 
J’wan Roberts 
Josh Farrell 
Makiya Smith 
Makai Smith 
Mookie Frett 
Aniya Carty 
Jelani Smalls 
Jermiah James 
Devon Freeman Jr. 
Jahkwani Williams 
N’Khoi Archbald 
Je’shawn Hodge 
Kwame Brown 
Jahmoi Corraspe 
Khamami Olivacci 
And my current 9-12 Team, I love them youths!!