Loop and Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports.
Olympic gold medalist Hansle Parchment and his coach Fitz Coleman were among the sporting icons honoured at Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards 2024 on October 21, 2024, celebrated as National Heroes Day. The event, held at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston, recognized their exceptional contributions to the world of athletics.
Parchment, who won the 110m hurdles gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, was conferred with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander Class. His accolade recognizes his outstanding achievements in track and field, which include an Olympic bronze in 2012, World Championship silver medals in 2015 and 2023, and his Olympic triumph.
His longtime coach, Fitz Coleman, was also recognized for his invaluable contributions to the sport. Coleman was awarded the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer Class for his role in Parchment’s success and his broader impact on Jamaica’s track and field development. Coleman, who once headed the IAAF High-Performance Centre, played a crucial role in shaping the career of sprint legend Usain Bolt and many other athletes.
Joining Coleman on the distinguished list of honorees was Paul Francis, head coach at the MVP Track Club. Francis, celebrated for his contributions to athletics, was also awarded the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer.
The world of football was also represented among the honorees, with Wendell Downswell, Technical Director of the Jamaica Football Federation, being awarded the Order of Distinction Officer Class for his long-standing contribution to Jamaican football. Downswell has been instrumental in the development of national teams, both as a former player and as a manager of various youth teams over the decades.
Dr. Paul Wright, a prominent figure in sports medicine, was conferred with the Order of Distinction Officer Class as well, in recognition of his services to the field of medicine and his work in developing the Jamaica Association of Sports Medicine.
This year’s National Honours and Awards celebrated the enduring contributions of these individuals to Jamaica’s sporting success and their continued influence in shaping future generations of athletes.
Leighton Levy is a journalist with 28 years’ experience covering crime, entertainment, and sports. He joined the staff at SportsMax.TV as a content editor two years ago and is enjoying the experience of developing sports content and new ideas. At SportsMax.tv he is pursuing his true passion - sports.
Holmwood Technical completes ISSA rural area Netball double; St. Catherine, Wolmer’s Girls win urban area titles
Defending all-island champions Holmwood Technical retained their ISSA rural area Under-19 netball title with a 38-30 victory over Denbigh High in Thursday's decider at the National Indoor Sports Centre.
The May Pen-based won the first quarter 9-8 before the defending champions rallied to lead 15-14 at the half and 37-24 at the end of the third quarter.
The victory for Holmwood completed the double on the day as their Under-16 team had earlier secured the crown with a 21-16 win in an all-Manchester affair over defending champions Manchester High in a repeat of last year's final.
In the urban area final, St Catherine High captured their third straight Under-19 title with a 32-24 win over The Queen's School. The St John's Road-based school led all quarters 11-3, 20-12 and 23-16.
Meanwhile, Wolmer's Girls took the Under-16 crown after beating St Hugh's 27-21 in their decider.
Manchester High defeated Glenmuir 46-44 to claim third place in the rural area Under-19 category while Mile Gully High claimed third in the Under-16 category with a 32-17 win over Titchfield.
In the urban area, Gaynstead High claimed third in both the Under-19 and Under-16 categories with wins over St. Catherine High and Camperdown High, respectively.
They beat St. Catherine 34-19 and Camperdown 37-23.
JAGA president Nicole Grant hails success of inaugural Carifta Gymnastics Champs
Jamaica Gymnastics Association (JAGA) president Nicole Grant continues to celebrate a monumental achievement following the success of the recently-concluded inaugural Carifta Artistic Gymnastics Championships.
Grant praised the event for its outstanding execution, regional impact, and the brilliant performances of the athletes over two vibrant days of competition at the National Indoor Sports Centre.
“I would rate the overall success of the Carifta Gymnastics Championships as outstanding. The fact that it was the first event of its kind in the region and that Jamaica successfully hosted it speaks volumes about the organization and teamwork involved,” Grant told SportsMax.TV.
The competition featured some of the best gymnasts from seven Caribbean nations, including hosts Jamaica, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.
In a commanding display, Trinidad and Tobago topped the medal standings with a remarkable 163 medals, including 80 gold, 57 silver, and 26 bronze. Jamaica followed in second place with 101 medals—26 gold, 32 silver, and 43 bronze—while the Bahamas secured third with 22 medals—four gold, seven silver, and 11 bronze.
Meanwhile, Aruba took home 13 medals—five gold, one silver, and seven bronze—and Bermuda had eight medals.
Members of Trinidad and Tobago's dominant team.
Trinidad and Tobago dominated most of the levels governed by USA Gymnastics (USAG) rules and also performed credibly in the Pan American Gymnastics Union (PAGU) Hopes segment.
Jamaica had notable successes, finishing strongly in several categories, particularly in Levels 8 and 9, where they either bested or closely competed with the Twin Island Republic.
Grant highlighted the event’s significance in fostering regional camaraderie and advancing gymnastics in the Caribbean.
“With participation from seven countries and positive feedback from the presidents of each, it clearly showcased the talent and spirit of gymnastics across the region. This event not only highlighted Jamaica’s ability to host such a significant competition but also fostered camaraderie and healthy competition among the participating nations,” she added.
Reflecting on the performances, Grant-Brown was moved by the athletes’ dedication and the atmosphere they created.
USAG Level 1 was topped by Trinidad and Tobago ahead of Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Bermuda. They also finished tops in Level 2 again, bettering Jamaica, Barbados, and the Bahamas, and in Level 3 ahead of the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Bermuda.
The Twin Island Republic also reigned in Levels 4 and 5, bettering Jamaica in both, while Bermuda was third in Level 4.
Barbados mined gold in Level 6, followed by the Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago, while the latter also secured Level 7 and Level 10. Jamaica won gold on bars in Level 7.
Trinidad Tobago also topped Level 8 ahead of Jamaica, before Jamaica flipped the script in Level 9, with the Bahamas taking third. However, Jamaica stood in the FIG Senior category.
In the PAGU Hopes category, Trinidad and Tobago bettered Jamaica in Level 1, it was the reverse in Level 2, while Jamaica had no competition in Level 3.
Officials from the various teams share a photo opportunity.
Aliyah Lawson, an Under-13 Level 8 representative; Milan Ennevor, who competed in Level 9 at the Under-18 category; Malkia Collins, an Under-11 Level 5 gymnast; and Karly Keoveunxay, who competes in the Under-13 Level 2 group in the PAGU category, were among Jamaica’s gold medallists. Mariah Gordon also won gold on bars in the PAGU Level 2 category and copped second place all-around.
“Over the two days, what stood out the most was the remarkable performances of all the gymnasts. Their dedication and commitment to excellence truly warmed my heart, as they put their best efforts forward and showcased their skills. The enthusiasm and sportsmanship displayed by the athletes were inspiring and created a vibrant atmosphere throughout the event,” Grant beamed.
For future hosts of the Championships, she emphasized the importance of early planning to not only build on but also to surpass the success of the inaugural staging.
“My advice for the next host would be to start their planning as early as possible. Early preparation is key to securing sponsors and ensuring a smooth event. Building strong relationships with potential sponsors can provide the necessary support to enhance the event's quality,” Grant shared.
“Additionally, they should focus on creating an engaging and inclusive environment for both participants and spectators, which can elevate the overall experience. Learning from the successes and challenges faced during this inaugural event will also be crucial in improving future championships,” she noted.
The event was supported by key sponsors, including the Jamaica Olympic Association, Ministry of Sports, and several corporate entities such as Mayberry Investments, Supreme Ventures, Logostitich, The Peachtree Centre, AS James and Associates, Tourism Enhancement Fund, CL Environmental Ltd, Jamaica Red Cross, and Sign Xpress, ensuring a seamless and memorable debut.
Olympic medalists Stona and Ricketts head nominees for RJR Sports Foundation Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year
Olympic gold medalist Roje Stona and trailblazing triple jumper Shanieka Ricketts lead the charge as nominees for the prestigious RJR Sports Foundation Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Awards for 2024. The announcement was made during a televised ceremony at the studios of Television Jamaica on Wednesday, unveiling a star-studded lineup of athletes who shone on the global stage.
Stona, who made history by clinching Jamaica’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in the men’s discus at the Paris 2024 Olympics, headlines the list of eight male nominees. The field is dominated by track and field stars, all of whom delivered remarkable performances throughout the year: Akeem Blake, bronze medalist in the 60m at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow; Rasheed Broadbell, 110m hurdles bronze medalist at the Paris Olympics; Rajindra Campbell, shot put bronze medalist at the Paris Olympics; Rusheen McDonald, 400m bronze medalist at the World Indoor Championships; Carey McLeod, long jump bronze medalist at the World Indoor Championships; Wayne Pinnock, Olympic silver medalist in the long jump; and Kishane Thompson, 100m silver medalist at the Paris Olympics.
On the women’s side, Shanieka Ricketts, who became the first Jamaican woman to medal in the triple jump at the Olympics, is joined by a stellar group of nominees: Rushell Clayton, national 400m hurdles champion and finalist at the Paris Olympics; Ackera Nugent, record-breaking hurdler with a new national and world-leading time of 12.24 seconds in the 100m hurdles; Nickisha Pryce, the first Jamaican woman to break the 49-second barrier in the 400m; and Llori Sharpe, cyclist and gold medalist in the Women’s Road Race at the Elite Caribbean Cycling Championships in Guyana, breaking the track and field dominance among nominees.
The ceremony also revealed six nominees for The People’s Choice Performance of the Year, recognizing standout moments that captured the imagination of sports fans: Rasheed Broadbell for his bronze medal-winning run in the 110m hurdles at the Paris Olympics; Ackera Nugent for her world-leading 12.24-second run in the Diamond League; Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw for a spectacular goal against Liverpool in the Women’s Super League; Roje Stona for his historic gold-medal throw in the men’s discus at the Olympics; Kishane Thompson for his 100m silver-medal sprint at the Paris Olympics; and Chavany Willis for his stunning goal for Arnett Gardens against Portmore United in the Jamaica Premier League.
The winners will be announced at the RJR Gleaner National Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Awards Gala on Friday, January 17, 2025, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston. This prestigious event will celebrate the exceptional achievements of Jamaica’s athletes, recognizing those who have left an indelible mark on the nation’s sporting legacy in 2024.
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