Jamaica’s track and field coaches honoured in NY

Several of Jamaica's track and field coaches were honoured on World Coaches Day at a special gala at Jericho Terrace Banquet Hall in Long Island, New York, United States of America on Sunday.

The event, which returned after a two-year hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic, is the brainchild of 2C2W founder, Clive Walters, who is a former president of Jamaica Track and Field Coaches Association and executive member of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA).

Among the honorees were high-school coaches, Michael Dyke of Edwin Allen and Neil Harrison of Jamaica College (JC), who were both members of the coaching staff of the country's successful team at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Cali, Colombia in the summer.

Lacena Golding-Clarke of Auburn University, Lennox Graham of Clemson University and Davian Clarke were also honoured, as well as administrator Nicole Grant Brown, president of Jamaica Amateur Gymnastics Association.

Four former G C Foster College past students were also recognised as beacons of excellence. They are Danny Hawthorne, athletics; Colin Henry and O'Neil Smith, volleyball; and Cameal Palmer, netball.

"When the World Coaches Day Awards Gala was conceptualised, it was to find a way to celebrate the positive impact that coaches have on society. It is also a day to promote the importance of coaching and encourage more people to get involved in this rewarding profession.

"On World Coaches Day we celebrate the power of coaching to transform lives and build stronger communities, as, together we can create a brighter future for all," Walters said.

The event was coordinated by Walters, with JAAA's president, Garth Gayle, being a member of the organising committee.