Olympians Yohan Blake, Maurice Smith come out in support of Ardenne High's Inaugural Optima 5K Run/Walk

By Sports Desk October 27, 2023
Olympian Maurice Smith (L)  makes a point to Ardenne High School principal Nadine Molloy (R) while Flo Darby, chariman of the Ardenne Alumni Foundation and Olympion/sponsor Yohan Blake look on. They were at the launch of the Ardenne Inaugural Optima 5K Run Walk on Wednesday on the school campus.   Olympian Maurice Smith (L) makes a point to Ardenne High School principal Nadine Molloy (R) while Flo Darby, chariman of the Ardenne Alumni Foundation and Olympion/sponsor Yohan Blake look on. They were at the launch of the Ardenne Inaugural Optima 5K Run Walk on Wednesday on the school campus.

 Olympians Yohan Blake and Maurice Smith came out in support of the Ardenne Inaugural Optima 5K Run/Walk which was launched on Wednesday at the school's conference room in Kingston.

The organizer, the Ardenne Alumni Foundation is headed by Flo Darby, who said that the Inaugural Optima 5K Run/Walk is one of its premier fundraisers to support the construction of a state-of-the-art Health & Wellness Centre on the school grounds to serve the over 2000 students and staff at the institution. Ground was broken earlier this year for the planned JMD$60-million-dollars two-storey facility.

Construction is expected to begin in 2024.

When completed the Wellness Centre will house a reception and waiting area, three offices for guidance counsellors, two consultation rooms, nurse's station, student and staff sickbays and associated rest rooms, general male and female rest rooms, a coffee/tea/beverage station, student lounge, multi-purpose room and multi-purpose roof terrace.

Blake's support is in the form of sponsor through his water brand - Reviere Water - which was itself launched recently and will become available to the public on November 1. He said that he plans to attend the event which is slated for Saturday, November 4 starting at 6:30 am at the school’s gate on Ardenne Road.

Blake has the second fastest time (9.69) in the 100m and is the youngest male athlete to ever win gold in the 100m at the World Championship.

Smith attended the launch to show his support for the event in recognition of his brother and sister who both attended Ardenne High as well as his friends and fellow Olympians Brandon Simpson and Nickeisha Wilson.

 The now retired decathlete encouraged everyone to join him at the start line even though 5K is not his preferred event in track and field. Smith won a silver medal in 2007 World Championship in Osaka, Japan.

Jennifer Small aka 'Jenny Jenny' whose daughter is a student at Ardenne has also thrown her support behind the event in the form of 'spokesperson'.

The Ardenne Alumni Foundation is headed by Flo Darby, who said that the Inaugural Optima 5K Run/Walk is one of its premier fundraisers to support the building of a state-of-the-art Health & Wellness Centre on the school grounds to serve the over 2000 students and staff at the institution. Ground was broken earlier this year for the JMD$60 million dollars two-storey building with the intention to start construction in 2024.

When completed the Wellness Centre will house a reception and waiting area, three offices for guidance counsellors, two consultation rooms, nurse's station, student and staff sickbays and associated rest rooms, general male and female rest rooms, a coffee/tea/beverage station, student lounge, multi-purpose room and multi-purpose roof terrace.

Meet manager Alan Beckford said that the race/walk will start on time at 6:30 am, will have a full medical team and four water stops.  Ardenne High School's principal, Nadine Molloy welcomed the event and promised that everybody at the school will be out in full to ensure its success.

Chairperson of the organizing committee Dr. Kamille Adair Morgan appealed to the public to participate by registering as soon as possible. Registration cost is JMD$2,000 for adults and JMD$1,200 for students.

Several sponsors have already committed support for the event. They are Barita Foundation, General Accident, Reviere Water, Marathon Insurance Brokers, Lashings Villas, Rehab Villas, Rehab Oasis, TIP Friendly society, HomeMaid Jamiaca, Yushaine Morgan & Company, Clean Crew Jamaica, Simply Perfect Events, Krystal Clear Productions, Church of God Jamaica, Ministry of Health & Wellness and Ramsons.

Related items

  • Ardenne High School launches second Optima 5K to fund Wellness Centre construction Ardenne High School launches second Optima 5K to fund Wellness Centre construction

    Ardenne High School has launched its second annual Optima 5K Run/Walk, a major fundraising initiative to support the construction of a wellness centre on the school’s campus. The event, scheduled for Saturday, November 16, at 6:30 am, will be managed by Running Events Limited for the first time, with registration available through runningeventsja.com.

    The 5K, organized by the Ardenne Alumni Foundation under the leadership of Chairperson Flo Darby, is the foundation’s largest fundraiser to date, with all proceeds going toward the wellness centre, which will be the first of its kind for a Jamaican high school. With a growing student population of over 2,000, Ardenne High sees the wellness centre as crucial for supporting both the physical and mental health of its students and staff.

    “We are planning to build a wellness centre for Ardenne High School, a space that focuses on physical and emotional health,” said Darby. “We’ll have a nurse on site, as well as rooms for guidance counsellors, a part-time psychiatrist, psychologist, and social worker. It will be the first of its kind in Jamaica, improving the environment for our students.”

    Current estimates place the cost of the wellness centre at J$64 million, with a targeted completion date before the school’s 100th anniversary in 2027.

    Two Olympians, 400m specialist and past Ardenne student Brandon Simpson and decathlete Maurice Smith, attended the event launch to endorse the initiative. Smith, whose siblings attended Ardenne, will also join Simpson at the start line on November 16, encouraging fellow athletes and supporters to participate in the cause.

    Alfred “Franno” Francis of Running Events Limited expressed his excitement for the project, noting the importance of fostering a healthy lifestyle. “We will try our best to execute a well-organized event, giving participants the support they need while raising funds for this exceptional cause,” he said. “This initiative is exemplary for other schools to follow, and we hope to see strong participation from current and past Ardenne students, along with anyone interested in health and wellness.”

    The route, as outlined by Francis, will start on Ardenne Road, then proceed through Trafalgar Park, onto Trafalgar Road, and follow a path along Lady Musgrave Road to Vale Royal. The course then turns onto Upper Montrose Road, onto Seymour Avenue, and returns to Ardenne Road, where participants will cross the finish line.

    Registration costs are J$2,000 for adults and J$1,500 for students, with proceeds directly benefiting the wellness centre.

    Terrence Ram, the head boy at Ardenne, emphasized the need for the centre, explaining that expanded facilities will provide students with a safe place to connect, relax, and engage with guidance staff. “The Ardenne Wellness Centre will give students a space to interact with guidance counsellors, share their thoughts, and develop personally,” Ram said.

    The launch was attended by several prominent supporters, including school principal Jacqueline Pinto, Ardenne Alumni Association President Dr. Winston De La Haye, alumni, foundation members, and representatives from the Ministry of Health and Wellness, including Takese Foga, Director of Health Promotion and Education.

    The Ardenne Optima 5K Run/Walk is poised to bring together students, alumni, and community members in a meaningful effort to foster a culture of wellness at Ardenne High School and build a lasting resource for future generations.

     

     

     

  • Yohan Blake launches official fan app following restaurant opening and honours in Fort Lauderdale Yohan Blake launches official fan app following restaurant opening and honours in Fort Lauderdale

    Sprint legend Yohan Blake, the second fastest man in history, continues to expand his reach beyond the track with the launch of his official fan app. The announcement, made on social media, comes just days after Blake celebrated the grand opening of his Butcher's Barrel restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he was also awarded the Keys to the Region by city officials.

    Blake, known for his blistering personal bests of 9.69 seconds in the 100m and 19.26 seconds in the 200m, remains one of the most electrifying sprinters of all time. His 100m and 200m marks have only been surpassed by fellow Jamaican icon Usain Bolt. Blake, who claimed the 2011 World 100m title in Daegu, South Korea, holds the distinction of being the youngest man ever to win the event, adding to his legacy as one of track and field's greatest athletes.

    In his social media post, Blake shared his excitement about the new venture: "Hey guys! ? I’ve just launched my official fan app, available now on iOS and coming soon to Android! Stay connected with me for exclusive updates, content, and more." The app promises to give fans a unique look into the sprinter's life, offering exclusive content and direct engagement with Blake as he continues to build his brand both on and off the track.

    The announcement of the fan app follows the recent launch of his Butcher’s Barrel restaurant, where Blake’s entrepreneurial ambitions were on full display. The upscale dining establishment in Fort Lauderdale represents his latest business venture, and the honor of receiving the Keys to the Region highlights the profound impact Blake has had, not just in athletics but in his efforts to give back to the community.

    For fans and followers, the new app serves as a direct gateway to stay up to date with Blake’s future projects, behind-the-scenes moments, and personal updates. As he continues to explore new avenues in business and sport, the app provides a platform for his supporters to connect with him in a more personal and interactive way.

    Yohan Blake's launch of the fan app marks another milestone in a career that has spanned greatness on the track, a growing presence in business, and a commitment to leaving a lasting legacy.

  • Yohan Blake honoured with Keys to the Region as he launches Butcher's Barrel Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale Yohan Blake honoured with Keys to the Region as he launches Butcher's Barrel Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale

    World-renowned Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake, the 2011 World 100m champion and double Olympic silver medalist, was awarded the prestigious Key to the Region on Wednesday, October 8, during the grand opening of his new restaurant, Butcher's Barrel, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Despite the looming threat of Hurricane Milton barreling toward the state, the event was a celebratory moment for Blake, who was honoured by city officials and members of South Florida’s Caribbean community for his outstanding contributions to both athletics and entrepreneurship.

    The recognition ceremony, led by Tamarac Commissioner Marlon D. Bolton, saw the 34-year-old Blake receive the Keys to the Region, joining an esteemed list of previous honourees, including dancehall artist Spice, TV personality Miss Kitty, and reggae artist Ky-Mani Marley. Vice Mayor Alexandra Davis of Miramar and other local officials from the Caribbean diaspora were present to celebrate Blake’s new venture and his achievements as an athlete.

    In an emotional speech, Blake expressed his deep gratitude, reflecting on his journey as one of the fastest men in history over the 100m and 200m distances.

    "This brings tears to my eyes to recognize this moment. I have worked 20-odd years tirelessly, creating so much history around the world being one of the fastest men in the 100 and 200 plus the 4x100m, it is not an easy feat," Blake said. "To do something like this, just a simple award to recognize what we have been doing—I just want to thank you for this. It means a lot to me, from the bottom of my heart."

    Blake’s illustrious career includes winning gold at the 2011 World Athletics Championships in the 100m, where he became the youngest 100m world champion ever, and earning silver medals in the 100m and 200m at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, behind the legendary Usain Bolt. His personal bests of 9.75 seconds in the 100m and 19.44 seconds in the 200m remain the fastest times ever recorded to place second in Olympic history.

    (Alexandra Davis Instagram)

    Miramar Vice Mayor Alexandra Davis and Jamaican Olympian Yohan Blake at the launch of his Butcher's Barrel restaurant in Ft Lauderdale on Tuesday.

    The Key to the Region initiative, developed in collaboration with Caribbean elected officials, honours individuals who have made significant contributions to the community through excellence in their respective fields. Blake, who has continuously supported charitable initiatives, particularly in Jamaica, now adds the entrepreneurial launch of Butcher’s Barrel to his list of achievements.

    The Butcher’s Barrel restaurant in Oakland Park, Fort Lauderdale, is Blake’s latest venture, as he looks to expand his brand beyond the track. The launch attracted local leaders, including Lauderhill Commissioner Denise D. Grant, Sunrise Commissioner Mark Douglas, and Vice Mayor Alexandra Davis, who shared her pride in the Jamaican sprinter on social media.

    "At the Butcher’s Barrel in Oakland Park as Yohan Blake opened his restaurant and received the Keys to the Region from local elected Caribbean officials," Davis wrote on Instagram. "Yohan is a Jamaican sprinter who won gold at the 2011 World Championships as the youngest 100m world champion ever, and silver in the 2012 Olympic Games. We wish him well in his new endeavor!"

    As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, Blake's success and recognition offer a bright moment of celebration and hope amid the challenging circumstances. His determination on and off the track continues to inspire many, and the opening of his restaurant marks a new chapter in his multifaceted career.

    Blake’s legacy as a sprinter is solidified, but with the Butcher's Barrel, he is proving that his ambitions go far beyond athletics, bringing his passion and dedication to new ventures in the business world.

© 2024 SportsMaxTV All Rights Reserved.