Neville McCook - file

At yesterday's service of thanksgiving held at the St Augustine's Kingston Chapel, former North America and Central America and the Caribbean (NACAC) Area leader, Neville Maurice 'Teddy' McCook, was posthumously awarded with the highest IAAF award for sports, as a member of his family received the Gold Order of Merit presented by Bob Hersh, a vice-president of the body.

"I feel honoured to confer this on someone so noble as McCook," said Hersh at the ceremony.

Former principal of Kingston College and rector of the Kingston Parish Church, Don Taylor, who gave the homily for McCook, spoke glowingly about his former schoolmate. According to Taylor, McCook touched many lives positively.

"Teddy (McCook) was indeed someone special and he helped to transform the lives of others. He lived his life well," said Taylor.

Taylor also stated that McCook always told him that there were three important things he wanted to happen to him. His funeral service being held at the Kingston College chapel was the most important.

"To be buried from the Kingston College Chapel was the most significant thing for him as he wanted to come back because most of his life unfolded inside that chapel," continued Taylor.

"Like all Kingston College old boys, the chapel was a very important part in their lives, and he could have his burial service anywhere but opted for the chapel, which he thinks was somewhere special in his life.

Among the overseas guests present at yesterday's thanksgiving service was former outstanding Bahamian Olympian Pauline Davis. While, world and Olympic 100-metre champion Usain Bolt was one of several local sporting icons in attendance at yesterday's thanksgiving service. Others included, Juliet Cuthbert, Juliet Campbell, Jermaine Gonzales. Top administrators present included JOA President Mike Fennell, Insport Chairman Don Anderson, JAAA President Dr Warren Blake, JAAA Secretary Garth Gayle, IFNA President Molly Rhone and former national senior football coach Carl Brown.