July 24

Tony Lema, nicknamed 'Champagne Tony' for his celebratory spirit, was an American professional golfer on the PGA Tour. He captured his sole major title at the 1964 Open Championship at St Andrews, becoming one of the youngest winners of the event. Lema recorded a total of 12 victories on tour between 1962 and 1966, showcasing consistent excellence. His affable personality and signature handshake ritual made him a fan favorite. Tragically, he and his wife died in a plane crash later in 1966, cutting short a promising career. Lema's legacy endures as one of golf's most charismatic figures.

Born in 1937 in Saint Vincent, Alphonso Theodore Roberts excelled on the cricket field, representing local teams and earning respect for his elegant batting style. After retiring from cricket, he dedicated himself to activism, campaigning for social justice and community empowerment. Roberts organized local sports programs to engage youth and promote teamwork. His dual roles in athletics and advocacy made him a beloved figure in Vincentian society. He is remembered for his passion, leadership, and commitment to positive change.

Jack Le Goff was born in France in 1931. He competed internationally in eventing, representing France at top competitions. After retiring, he transitioned to coaching, guiding riders to Olympic and World Championship medals. Le Goff was known for his horsemanship skills and dedication to training both horses and athletes. His leadership helped establish France as a powerhouse in the sport of eventing. Le Goff's legacy lives on through the many riders he mentored until his death in 2009.

Alex Higgins was born in Belfast in 1949. He burst onto the professional snooker scene with his rapid, attacking playstyle, earning the nickname 'Hurricane Higgins.' Higgins won the World Snooker Championship twice, in 1972 and 1982. His charismatic presence and flair popularized snooker, bringing it to wider television audiences. Despite personal struggles, Higgins remained a beloved figure in the sport until his passing in 2010. He is remembered as one of the most influential and entertaining champions in snooker history.

Edward "Skip" Thomas was an American football cornerback who played his entire professional career with the Oakland Raiders. A fourth-round draft pick in 1972, he quickly earned a reputation for his aggressive style and ball-hawking skills, earning Pro Bowl honors four times. Nicknamed "Dr. Death" by fans, Thomas was a key member of the Raiders' defense during their successful run in the 1970s. After retiring from the NFL in 1978, he remained involved in sports and worked as a tennis coach. His pioneering play and larger-than-life persona left a lasting impact on Raiders history.

Dale Schlueter was an American basketball player who enjoyed a nine-season career in the National Basketball Association. Born in 1945, he was selected in the 1967 draft and went on to play for teams including the San Francisco Warriors and Portland Trail Blazers. Standing 6 feet 10 inches tall, he was valued for his defensive skills and ability to rebound. Throughout his career, he appeared in over 300 NBA games and contributed as a reliable role player. After retiring, Schlueter remained connected to the sport, mentoring young athletes in his community. He passed away in 2014, remembered for his team-first attitude and perseverance on the court.

Trevor Francis (1954–2023) was an English footballer who became Britain's first £1 million player when he transferred to Nottingham Forest in 1979. He began his career at Birmingham City, earning fame as a prolific striker and England international. At Nottingham Forest under Brian Clough, he helped win the European Cup in 1979. Francis later played for clubs including Manchester City and Sampdoria, and won the Coppa Italia. After retiring, he transitioned into management and coaching, including stints at QPR and Birmingham City. His groundbreaking transfer and on-field successes paved the way for modern football's financial evolution.