Dean Karren Foster
Edward Massias
The MICO University College, with a rich history of nurturing both academic and athletic talents, has embarked on an inspiring five-year plan to revitalize its sports program, with the vision of becoming the premier collegiate sports program in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.
This exciting development was unveiled last week during a special ceremony where MICO announced a significant milestone in this journey: the offering of a four-year scholarship to World U20 100m hurdles silver medalist, Alexis James, generously funded by Island Grill. James will pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education and Sports at the institution.
Speaking at the event, Karren Foster, Dean in the Faculty of Education, elaborated on the strategic plan they have initiated to reinvigorate the sports program at MICO. She highlighted the first four hurdles of this ambitious nine-hurdle plan four of which were already being executed.
MICO has already entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Jamaica Football Federation under which 30 MICO students will become elite football referees. “These referees will officiate in local football and potentially on regional and international stages, significantly contributing to the growth of football in the region,” Foster revealed.
The plans also include the recruitment of world-class athletic talent.
“MICO's commitment to training and certifying outstanding athletes is exemplified by the inclusion of Alexis James, the world-renowned 100m hurdles silver medalist, into this institution,” she stated with confidence. She added that this can only be achieved through the engagement of the best coaches.
“MICO is proud to have hired some of the best coaches in Jamaica for their sports program,” Dean Foster revealed. To date, MICO has hired national volleyball coach Gatasheu Bonner, former national netball coach Connie Francis, who recently guided Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls to the bronze medal at the Netball World Cup in South Africa.
MICO has also brought on board Shane Brooks, the national women’s cricket coach and Mr. O’Neil Brown, Jamaica’s national basketball coach.
“These coaches bring a wealth of experience and expertise to nurture the next generation of sports stars,” Dean Foster said.
The next phase, she said, is only just beginning but is a critical part of the over-arching plan.
“We face the challenge of securing nutritional sponsors to enhance their athletes' performance. Many of these dedicated athletes, who excel both academically and athletically, rely on work-study programs to meet their financial obligations. Corporate support in the form of financial assistance, technological resources, and apparel sponsorship is essential to empower these talented individuals,” the dean explained.
The other phases will include engaging partners to provide nutritional support, financial support, technological support and apparel support.
“By doing so, MICO aims to foster not only successful athletes but also individuals committed to serving their communities and contributing to the nation's growth and development,” Dean Foster said.
This plan became a reality, Dean Foster explained, by bringing in the necessary personnel that would help establish a platform from which they would launch this ambitious initiative.
“What happened is that we have changed our personnel. We brought in a sports manager. That personnel have been tasked to develop a strategic plan for the sports program. So there's a structure in place and there is an operational plan in place to facilitate the movements in that department. We can see what the budget should be, what is it we need to do from month one to month two, if you will, to be successful,” she explained.
“They are developing a five-year plan. They have identified what the goals are. We need the assistance of the outside support groups to make this a reality. So we are at three and we have since today (last Wednesday) crossed over into four, somewhat.
“We at the MICO, we offer some scholarships which are very costly to the institution because, remember now, we are a government-funded institution. Government doesn't give us money for these things, not a cent for these things.
“And so we have to creatively source funds to help these students who come from some very challenging backgrounds, who want to make good of themselves and their God-given talents.”
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.
Former Sportsmax presenter Alex Jordan, Carlos Brathwaite honoured with special sports award at Barbados Labour Party ceremony
Accomplished athlete and sports commentator Alex Jordan was recognized with a Special Sports Award on Friday night at the 85th Annual Conference of the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) Awards Ceremony. The prestigious event, held at the Christchurch Foundation School, also saw former West Indies cricketer Carlos Brathwaite receiving an award, with Barbados Prime Minister The Honourable Mia Mottley and President of Guyana Dr. Irfaan Ali in attendance.
Jordan, a versatile broadcaster and beloved sports commentator across the Caribbean, was celebrated for her outstanding contributions to sports journalism. The citation highlighted her dynamic career, which spans over 20 years, and her representation of Barbados in squash, golf, and swimming. Fluent in four languages, Jordan has also played diplomatic roles for the Government of Barbados on several United Nations bodies, further demonstrating her multi-faceted talents.
“Kaitlin Alexandra Jordan is a dynamic athlete, broadcaster, and sports commentator, who has proudly represented Barbados in squash, golf, and swimming. Fluent in four languages, Alex has played key diplomatic roles for the Government of Barbados on several UN bodies. With over 20 years of experience in radio and TV broadcasting, she has focused her career on sports journalism,” the citation read.
Jordan’s career has seen her grow into a prominent figure in Caribbean sports broadcasting. After returning to Barbados to help launch the Alex Jordan Morning Show on SLAM 101, she transitioned into sports broadcasting, eventually commentating for the Caribbean Premier League. She has since earned a global audience, covering major sporting events like the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games, winning fans across the Caribbean for her knowledge and passion.
Jordan and fellow awardee Carlos Brathwaite at the rostrum on Friday where they received their awards.
In an emotional acceptance speech, Jordan expressed her deep pride in being a Barbadian and her admiration for the leadership of Prime Minister Mottley and President Ali.
“May I just say how proud I am to be a Barbadian. We are from such a unique place, and what has distinguished us in the region and the world is our government. I am so grateful for the productivity, the professionalism, the decision-making, and action of this government,” said Jordan.
She also spoke about the importance of regional unity and the strong relationship between Barbados and Guyana: “I am so happy to see these two leaders from Barbados and Guyana, their relationship, their regional and global vision reinforcing how important it is to our identity to understand that we are part of a collective. They are so smart and vibrant and making waves around the world; wherever I go in the world, people tell me how much they admire Mia Mottley, and it makes me deeply proud.”
Jordan’s recognition underscores her significant contributions to sports and Caribbean culture, continuing to inspire through her engaging presence in sports media.
Meanwhile, Brathwaite, best known for his match-winning four consecutive sixes in the 2016 T20 World Cup final, was also honoured during the ceremony, adding another highlight to a night dedicated to celebrating the BLP's finest talents.
ESPN ranks Bolt as ninth greatest professional athlete since 2000
The fastest man to ever live, Usain Bolt, was ranked ninth on a list of the top 100 professional athletes since 2000 compiled by American sports channel ESPN on Thursday.
Bolt, an eight-time Olympic champion, 11-time World champion and the world record holder in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m, was the highest ranked of only three track and field athletes in the whole list.
The other two track and field athletes on the list are American seven-time Olympic and 14-time World champion Allyson Felix at 63 and Jamaican three-time Olympic champion and 10-time World champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce at 77.
The list was topped by Michael Phelps with Serena Williams, Lionel Messi, LeBron James and Tom Brady rounding out the top five.
The three names immediately ahead of Bolt are Roger Federer at six, Simone Biles at seven and Tiger Woods at eight while Kobe Bryant came in just behind Bolt at 10.
CANOC, BOA mourn passing of former BOA president Judy Simons
Former Bermuda Olympic Association president Judy Simons passed away on January 3.
The association made the announcement in a press release, leaving family, friends and colleagues to mourn.
“We are saddened to advise you of the passing of our friend and colleague Mrs. Judy Simons on January 3, 2024,” BOA president Peter Dunne said.
“This sudden and shocking news will be felt around the world.”
The announcement noted her 25 years of service to the Commonwealth Games Federation and to the Olympic movement, which followed a sporting career in field hockey and tennis.
“Her contributions to the BOA and Bermuda’s sporting community have had significant impact on the profile of Bermuda within the international sporting communities and organisations, right up to her passing as the regional vice-president (Americas) of the Commonwealth Games Federation.
“In addition to her tenure as president of the BOA and previously as secretary-general, Judy served on numerous committees.
“Judy’s leadership and reputation in the international sports groups has done much for the advancement of Bermuda and our athletes.
“Her reputation as a strong advocate for our organisation and other small national Olympic committees was well earned and will be missed greatly by all who knew her and benefited from her experience.
“Judy often referred to the 2020 gold medal of Flora Duffy as the pinnacle of her BOA career, but her legacy as a relationship builder will be remembered for years to come, always for the benefit of the BOA.
“Bermuda’s standing in global sport is due in large part to Judy’s dedication to the movement and her ability to develop strong bonds with her colleagues.
“We will continue to benefit from her work and reflect on her service as a model for all to emulate.”
BOA secretary-general Branwen Smith-King described Mrs. Simons as a “good friend, colleague and mentor”
“I’m devastated by this news; she will be sorely missed,” she said. “Judy’s contribution to sport in Bermuda reaches beyond our borders and those of us in the sports world are indebted to her services.
“As past president of the Bermuda Olympic Association, Judy’s leadership, passion for helping others and love for sport was inspirational.
“Judy Simons has left a legacy that truly cannot be duplicated. Rest in peace, my friend.”
BOA first vice-president Brenda Dale added: “Judy was a dear friend and someone I deeply admired and trusted.
“She was a kind, caring and committed person whose heart was rooted in the Bermuda sports community.
“She dedicated a large part of her life fighting for and supporting our Bermuda athletes in every avenue and at every level possible.
“I am ever grateful to have accepted her invitation to join her on the BOA board, as it was truly an honour to serve with her.
“She was an inspiration, and her hard work and immense contributions to sport, both locally and internationally, will be a legacy felt and admired across the globe. She will be deeply missed.”
Ben Smith, the deputy leader of the opposition One Bermuda Alliance and Shadow Minister of Education and Sport, described Mrs. Simons as “the face of sports in Bermuda” whose rich legacy will live on.
Mr. Smith who is also Bermuda’s national swimming coach, said: “Judy was an absolute pleasure to work and travel with. She was a consummate professional, but also very nurturing and a joy to be around.
“Bermuda has lost yet another national treasure and will be sorely missed. I would like to extend my deepest condolences to her family at this difficult time.”
The Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) also reacted to her passing.
“It is with immense sadness and a heavy heart that I extend our most sincere condolences to the immediate family, the Olympic Family and the entire Bermudan sport family, on the passing, earlier today, of our dear friend and colleague, Judy Simons,” CANOC President Keith Joseph said in a statement on Thursday.
The statement continued: “It was not so long ago that we had the pleasure of Judy's company and observed then, that she was ailing. As usual, in her own style, she seemed to convince us that all was well.
“Truth sets us free and Judy never really recovered from the death of her husband. Even speaking of his passing a few weeks ago in Singapore, brought great sadness to her and an admission of just how much this continued to impact her.
“Judy's commitment to sport led her to take on many challenges. She soldiered as she had to cope with the passing of her treasured General Secretary, Phillip Guishard, and was ecstatic with the gold medal winning performance of the country's Triathlon athlete, Flora Duffy, making Bermuda the smallest country in the Olympic Movement to win gold at the Olympics.”
Mrs. Simons was the wife of former Somerset Cup Match captain Campbell Simons, who predeceased her in September 2021.
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