Gayle (left) described the late Puerto Rican Francis (r) as a friend of Jamaica.
The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) is deeply saddened by the passing of Amadeo Ignacio Daniel Francis Jr., the former President of the North American, Central American, and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) and a towering figure in the world of athletics. Francis, who hailed from Puerto Rico, passed away leaving behind a legacy of dedication and significant contributions to the sport across the Americas and beyond.
JAAA President Garth Gayle expressed his heartfelt condolences, recognizing Francis as a stalwart supporter of athletics and a true friend of Jamaica. "We have lost a solid partner and friend who worked assiduously to improve our sport in this region. He was always ready to listen and, if possible, encourage and implement programs that helped to elevate the sport. Amadeo was a giant among men. Sincere condolences to his family and friends along with the Puerto Rican Athletics Federation," said Gayle.
Amadeo Francis was primarily known as a talented 400-metre hurdler, representing Puerto Rico at the 1952 and 1956 Olympic Games. He also served as a reserve in the 4x400m relay during both Olympic appearances. Francis demonstrated his athletic prowess by finishing fourth in the 400m hurdles at the 1955 Pan American Games and competing in two editions of the Central American and Caribbean Games.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Francis was a distinguished academic and professional. He graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico in 1951 and earned a Master of Science in Economics from the London School of Economics in 1955. He later returned to the University of Puerto Rico, where he completed a Master of Public Administration in 1959.
Francis's career spanned several key positions in public administration and economic development. He quickly rose to become the Director of the Office of Economic Research in Puerto Rico and later held various executive roles, including Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association, Deputy Administrator of the Puerto Rico Economic Development Administration in New York, and Commissioner of Commerce for the United States Virgin Islands.
In sports administration, Francis made an indelible impact on the global stage. He served on the council of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), now known as World Athletics, and held the position of Vice-President within the organization. As President of NACAC for two decades, Francis was instrumental in advancing athletics in the region. He also served as President of the Pan American Athletics Commission, further solidifying his influence in the world of sports.
Throughout his career, Francis received numerous accolades, including induction into the Hall of Fame of Puerto Rico Sports in 1980, and the prestigious Silver (1996) and Gold (2008) Order of Merit from the IAAF. His lifetime of achievements was recognized in 2020 when Marquis Who's Who presented him with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award, highlighting his outstanding leadership and contributions to his field.
Amadeo Francis's passing marks the end of an era for athletics in the Caribbean and the Americas. His legacy, however, will continue to inspire future generations of athletes and administrators. The JAAA, along with the entire athletics community, mourns the loss of a true pioneer and extends its deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and the Puerto Rican Athletics Federation.
JAAA, ISSA and late journalist Hubert Lawrence among honourees at 2C2W World Awards Gala
The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) and the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) received special recognition for their contributions to Jamaican athletics at the annual 2C2W World Awards Gala in New York on Sunday. The USD $150-per-plate event, held to honour achievements across sports, community, and leadership, drew a full crowd, underscoring the high regard for the honourees and the significance of their contributions to sports.
Other honourees included Louis Vazquez, Wesmore Thomas, Karen N. Wilson-Robinson, Aubrey Campbell, Chenelle Gushman, and Kevin Francis as well as Jeremiah Pope, Charles Weekes and Dian Marie Martinez. Their work across sports, community service, and leadership aligns with the 2C2W World Awards’ mission to highlight impactful contributions to athletics.
Representing Jamaica’s national governing body for athletics, JAAA President Garth Gayle was on hand to accept the award. The JAAA has been a central force in nurturing Jamaican athletic talent at all levels, playing a vital role in the country's reputation as a global track and field powerhouse. Under its guidance, many of Jamaica’s finest athletes have flourished on the international stage, with the organization’s commitment to developing young talent widely recognized.
Keith Wellington, President of ISSA, accepted the award on behalf of ISSA, the body responsible for organizing the renowned Boys and Girls Championships (Champs). Founded in 1910, Champs has grown from a small inter-school competition into one of the premier youth athletic events in the world, helping to shape athletes like Usain Bolt, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, and Elaine Thompson-Herah. ISSA’s dedication to nurturing young talent has established Champs as a critical stepping stone for athletes aiming to compete on the world stage.
A touching tribute also honoured the late Hubert Lawrence, a respected track and field journalist, historian and author, who passed away on February 23, 2024, at the age of 63. Teddence Bailey, a longtime friend of Lawrence, read a heartfelt citation that captured the essence of Lawrence's impact:
“Remembering Hubert Lawrence: Renowned Track and Field Analyst, Author, and Broadcaster Passes Away. Hubert Lawrence, born July 15, 1960, unexpectedly passed away on February 23, 2024, sparking widespread shock, disbelief, and sorrow.
“He seamlessly integrated statistical data, sporting facts, and historical context to bring athletic events to life. He was the legendary hand-time grandmaster, Hubert on point. Hand Electronic... don’t play with Hubie! He coined the word ‘Handtronics.’ Lawrence's distinctive voice and confident commentary style made him a staple in sports broadcasting, covering prominent events like Jamaica's High School Boys and Girls Athletics Championships, CARIFTA Games, World Championships, and the Olympics. His expertise was unparalleled, and he was a trusted figure on Television Jamaica sports coverage. Additionally, Lawrence authored several books, including Power and Glory: Jamaica in World Athletics and Champs 100: A Century of Jamaican High School Athletics. He was distinguished by his integrity, respect, and encouraging demeanor. His passing leaves a significant void in the sports community.”
Grand Slam Track™ selects Kingston as host city for inaugural 2025 Slam Event
Kingston, Jamaica, a city with a storied history in track and field, has been chosen to host the inaugural Grand Slam Track™ event in 2025. Announced by the league’s founder and Commissioner, four-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson, Kingston joins Los Angeles as the second host city for the new league’s debut season, with two additional cities to be revealed soon. The Kingston Slam is set to take place at the National Stadium at Independence Park from April 4-6, 2025.
“We are thrilled to be bringing Grand Slam Track™ to Kingston,” Johnson said. “Jamaica has such a strong history in this sport. The talent and the love for track here make it a perfect fit for what we’re building. It’s going to be an incredible event, and we’re proud to have Kingston as one of our four Slams in our inaugural season to kick this whole thing off.”
The selection of Kingston as a host city highlights Jamaica’s central role in global track and field. Hon. Olivia Grange, Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment & Sports, expressed her excitement about the announcement, calling it “a chance for us to be part of something huge, bringing top athletes to our track and helping the sport grow in a new and exciting way.” Garth Gayle, President of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA), emphasized the significance of the event, saying it is “a testament to our past and present athletes, whose achievements and legacy have established Jamaica as the track capital of the world.”
The event will bring together some of the biggest names in track and field, including Jamaican talents like Ackera Nugent and Rushell Clayton, as well as global stars such as U.S. 400m champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, sprinters Fred Kerley and Kenny Bednarek, hurdler Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, and British middle-distance runner Josh Kerr. Fans in Kingston will also have the chance to watch rising stars like Quincy Hall, Masai Russell, and middle-distance sensation Yared Nuguse. This impressive roster of Racers, who will compete across four Slam events, was selected based on a combination of skill and the potential to deliver head-to-head matchups that promise excitement and drama.
Athletes in the Grand Slam Track™ roster will race in two events per Slam, competing in categories from sprints and hurdles to middle-distance and long-distance events. The league has placed an emphasis on direct competition, with no pacers or pacing lights, ensuring that every race is a true contest. Racers will wear their own customized kits, allowing athletes and their sponsors creative freedom in how they present themselves on the track.
Tickets for the Kingston Slam will go on sale on Friday, December 6, at 10 a.m. local time in Jamaica. For more information on Grand Slam Track™ events and athlete lineups, fans can visit grandslamtrack.com.
Jamaica track and field coaches to be issued two-year licenses starting January 2025
Beginning January 1, 2025, track and field coaches in Jamaica will need a two-year renewable license to continue practicing, as per the new regulations set by the Jamaica Track and Field Coaches Association (JATAFCA) in collaboration with the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA). This licensing shift aligns with changes by World Athletics, which now requires coaches' certification to be renewed every two years based on evidence of continued education.
The new regulations were outlined at a recent JATAFCA meeting, where Ralph Mouchbahani from the World Athletics Coaching Education Department explained the changes in the Coaches Education and Certification System. Mouchbahani clarified that all World Athletics certifications, previously valid indefinitely, will now expire after two years. “All certifications of World Athletics are not valid for a lifetime anymore. They will need to be renewed after two years to maintain their validity,” he said.
Garth Gayle, President of the JAAA, welcomed the updates and expressed strong support for this structured approach to coaching. Speaking at the meeting, Gayle confirmed that the JAAA and JATAFCA have agreed to give the Coaches Association administrative responsibility for the Coaches Education Program. “The new program is about making you better individuals to produce top-class athletes, for which Jamaica is well known worldwide,” Gayle stated, noting that the shift aims to further professionalize coaching in Jamaica.
As part of the new system, previously certified coaches must complete the World Athletics Safeguarding course and pay a license fee to transition into the updated program. Meanwhile, new coaches will need to complete one of the various World Athletics courses to qualify for initial certification. All coaches, regardless of experience, will have to participate in Continuous Education (CE) to earn credits that will be required for license renewal.
To accumulate these CE credits, coaches can attend workshops, seminars, and courses hosted by a variety of recognized organizations, including World Athletics, JAAA, JATAFCA, Jamaica Association of Sports Medicine, JADCO, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Sports, INSPORTS, and other Member Federations. Beginning in January 2026, coaches will also be required to submit a police record to renew their licenses.
David Riley, President of JATAFCA, alongside veteran instructor Roy Thomas, who both recently completed the World Athletics Level 2 Lecturers Course, will oversee the rollout of the new Coaching Education Content for Jumps, Throws, Sprints, and Hurdles. Riley provided insight into the new system’s structure, which allows coaches to achieve World Athletics certification at three levels:
Level 1: Youth Coach (U16)
Level 2: Junior Coach (U20)
Level 3: Senior Coach (20+)
Level 1 certification can be achieved by completing an online self-driven course, which will serve as the prerequisite for an initial license upon completion of an in-person assessment by JATAFCA. The next assessment is scheduled for November 15 in Kingston, providing a final opportunity for coaches to gain initial licensing compliance before the new regulations take effect in January.
Through these changes, Jamaica’s coaching landscape is set to see significant professional development, ensuring that track and field coaches across the island meet rigorous international standards.
SportsMax is the Caribbean sports channel of choice, committed to providing sporting content of the highest quality to the Caribbean, delivered by a team of highly innovative, passionate and qualified professionals.
(876) 619-7629
digitalmedia@sportsmax.tv
