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• 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.”

   

• Forest taught 'a lesson' as winning run ended by Newcastle according to Nuno

  Nuno Espirito Santo acknowledged Nottingham Forest were taught "a lesson" by Newcastle United, even if he did not criticise his side following a 3-1 defeat at the City Ground.

  Forest had won their previous three matches to climb to third in the Premier League, and Murillo's opener had them on course for another victory.

  But that goal came against the run of play, and Newcastle continued to dominate, eventually equalising through Alexander Isak.

  Forest, who have been so solid at the back this season, went chasing victory and were instead caught out as both Joelinton and Harvey Barnes scored on the break.

  Those counter-attacks have been a large part of Forest's own attacking identity previously, and Nuno was full of praise for how ruthlessly Newcastle executed that tactic.

  "I cannot say that was a bad performance, that is totally out of the question," the Forest boss told BBC Sport.

  "We played against a very good team that was able to control us and then hurt us in the way we've been doing. It is a lesson for us to learn.

  "I just have to recognise that today we played a good team, who were better than us in many, many moments.

  "There's nothing to say about the [Forest] players. The character and belief was there."

  Newcastle were a little unfortunate to trail at half-time, having had seven shots to Forest's three and 60% of the possession.

  Yet Eddie Howe, the Newcastle coach, still saw plenty of room for improvement, which his side delivered on after the restart.

  "It was difficult, but we knew it would be," he said. "They are a difficult team to play against because they don't concede many chances and you're left fearing the worst when you go behind.

  "We had work to do at half-time, but credit to the players because the second half was up there with our best performances this season.

  "Everything we didn't do in the first half, we did at the start of the second half. We were intense and direct with our attacking. We asked more questions and could have scored.

  "I'm really pleased with the second half."

  Newcastle have won three in a row in all competitions for the first time in over a year, helped by a return to form for their attacking stars.

  Isak had netted only once this season before scoring in the past four successive matches, while Barnes again showed his quality from the bench. Six of his nine Newcastle goals have come as a substitute.

  Howe added: "We need our attacking players to contribute goals, and Alex has done that in the past few weeks with massive moments, then Joelinton and Harvey Barnes pop up with moments, too.

  "We know we have players who can make that difference, and I'm really pleased with that side of our game.

  "Harvey Barnes did what he does. He's an outstanding player. Trying to find room for him in the team is something that I am conscious of.

  "I'm really pleased he got that goal – I thought it was a fantastic finish."

• Nottingham Forest 1-3 Newcastle United: Visitors battle back for another City Ground victory

  Newcastle United fought back to win at the City Ground again on Sunday, beating high-flying Nottingham Forest 3-1 with a ruthless second-half display.

  The Magpies had defeated Forest away from home in each of the previous two seasons, but Nuno Espirito Santo's hosts have been a different prospect so far in this campaign.

  And Forest looked set for a fourth win in a row when Murillo nodded in his first career goal midway through the first half.

  That opener was arguably harsh on Newcastle, though, and a deserved equaliser arrived nine minutes after half-time as Alexander Isak scored in a fourth consecutive match in all competitions.

  Isak, who netted twice in a 2-1 win at Forest in March 2023, then turned provider for the second goal as Joelinton brilliantly beat Matz Sels, before substitute Harvey Barnes broke away to net the third.

  Another victory, following on from last week's win against Arsenal, lifts Newcastle to within a point of Forest, who remain third ahead of Chelsea hosting the Gunners later on Sunday.

  Data Debrief: Super sub Barnes shows Newcastle depth

  Newcastle had looked a little short in wide positions prior to a change last week that saw Joelinton moved into the forward line, but now they have a wealth of options.

  Joelinton starred on the left against Arsenal but scored a brilliant goal after moving to the right on this occasion, also contesting (16) and winning (10) more duels than any team-mate.

  Then Barnes arrived from the bench, on for the injured Anthony Gordon, and made the points safe with his ninth Premier League goal for the club and sixth as a substitute. Only Papiss Cisse (eight) and Callum Wilson (seven) have more Newcastle goals from the bench in this competition.