Mico honours World Junior champ James
Institution launches first 5K road race
WORLD UNDER-20 female champion Tiffany James was recognised by staff and students of The Mico University College at the school’s general assembly, held inside the Eli Matalon Gymnasium yesterday morning.
Also, the university launched its first 5K road race, which will be held on October 23.
James, who became the first Jamaican female to win a gold medal at the global level, following her success in July in Bydgoszcz, Poland, was one of five individuals who were honoured by the institution in a packed auditorium filled with students and staff.
James, who was also a member of the silver-winning female 4x400 metres relay team in Poland, received a certificate and a plaque for her achievements.
Fellow students – including James’ sister, Samantha, and Dawnalee Loney – received certificates for being part of the Jamaica NACAC Under-23 silver-medal winning 4x400 metres relay team last July in San Salvador, El Salvador.
Javere Bell was also recognised for being a member of the Jamaica team to the Rio Olympic Games.
Also awarded with certificates were track and field coach of the institution, Olympian Bertland Cameron, and director of sports, Raymond ‘KC’ Graham, for their contribution to the development of sports at the university.
Guest speaker at yesterday’s function was noted track and field analyst, Hubert Lawrence. He lauded the institution for its rise in sports, especially in track and Professor Neville Ying (left), pro chancellor, chairman of the board of directors, The Mico University College, makes a presentation to Tiffany James (second right) at The Mico University College’s general assembly and special recognition ceremony’ of members of Mico’s track and field team, at Eli Matalon Gymnasium, The Mico University College, on Marescaux Road in Kingston yesterday. Looking on are Dr Asburn Pinnock (second left), president, Mico, and Maurice Wilson, technical leader of Jamaica’s track and field team to the just-concluded Rio Olympic Games in Brazil.
field, and commended the administration for its effort in ensuring that the college make a big impact in the field of sports. He also spoke highly of James.
“I have followed Tiffany’s career since she was at Papine High and I am very proud of her achievement, as over the years Jamaica has had many outstanding athletes at these championships and never had anyone take home the gold,” said Lawrence.
“But her achievement was very special, being the first Jamaican to do so at either the junior or senior level,” he continued.
The opportunity was also used for the launch of Mico’s first 5K road race, where race director Ian Forbes, general manager of Sherwin Williams, spoke about the event and implored all Miconians to “attend in large numbers”.
Funds raised from the event
will go towards the PreUniversity Men’s Programme (PUMP).
Also present at yesterday’s function was Professor Neville Ying, pro chancellor, chairman of the board of directors, Mico University College; Dr Asburn Pinnock, president, Mico; and Maurice Wilson, technical director of Jamaica’s track and field team to the Rio Olympic Games, himself a Miconian.