Sports Education is the focus of the collaboration between Centenary University, New Jersey USA and GC Foster College of Physical Education and Sport based in Jamaica. The collaboration will feature a Track & Field Coaching 2.0 Certification program being offered this April – June for enrollment in the USA.
This program will see the two educational institutions expand certificate offerings also on other sporting disciplines. The format is in-person and online. Special events like conferences and symposiums will also be part of the agreement.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed mid March by Centenary University’s first African American President, Dr. Dale Caldwell along with the G. C. Foster College Physical Education & Sport, Principal - Mr. Maurice Wilson, OD.
Both leaders were elated at the partnership being sealed and Dr Caldwell said, “this unique partnership broadens Centenary University’s presence in international markets and creates extraordinary opportunities for students at both institutions.” He went on to add that “it also opens the door for potential new NCAA Division III athletic programs at Centenary, including men’s and women’s track and field.”
GC Foster College Principal, Maurice Wilson expressed his appreciation and noted that “The College is continuing on his pathway to developing the best of Jamaica with sport education as one of its core focus. This partnership is a step in the right direction and we know the impact it will create. We are pleased that Centenary is on board with us and we welcome the broadening of our reach and scope of work.”
“The choice to go with Track and Field first, was a no-brainer.” both leaders of the institutions agreed.
The online proceeding was witnessed by a cross section of officials from both institutions.
Managing Director of PPIVOTT, O’Neil Walters is responsible for bringing the two institutions together and he also was online to witness the signing of the MOU.
Walters said, “We are proud of this intercultural partnership in sports education that represents first step action within the broad mission of the brand” said O’Neil Walters, Managing Partner, PPIVOTT. “As we embark on creating brand identity solutions to uplift our people (talents) in key the areas of sports, entertainment and the arts, we will be conducting Jamaica’s first Peak Performance Summit in June 2024 to coincide with the end of the first Track & Field Certification program.”
Mico captures 2023 Inter-collegiate Netball crown with win over GC Foster College
Mico University College are the 2023 Inter-collegiate Netball Champions after a comfortable 53-37 win over GC Foster College at the Leila Robinson Courts on Saturday.
The teams were tied at 10-10 after the first period before the Connie Francis-coached outfit won the second quarter 16-8 to enter halftime with a 26-18 lead.
The third quarter saw Mico increasing their lead to 12 at 39-27 before completing the rout.
Church Teacher’s College won the intermediate title 27-14 over UWI “B” while Shortwood Teacher’s College won the Junior title after their opponents Mobay Community College failed to show up.
Beckford, Ferguson remember Gibbs Willams, as sporting fraternity mourns slain cricket manager
As the local sporting fraternity continues to grapple with news of the tragic slaying of national cricket manager Gibbs Williams, Paul Beckford and Davion Ferguson are already reflecting on the life and impact the prominent son of the soil had on many.
Williams, who was also a vice principal at GC Foster College of Physical Education and Sport in St Catherine, was gunned down on Friday afternoon at the compound of a medical facility in Portmore.
It is reported that Williams was called outside of the medical facility and shot by unknown assailants. He was later rushed to the Spanish Town Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
A former Cricket Coach at Waterford High School, and Wolmer’s Boys School, Williams unearthed the talent of Jermaine Lawson. He served the JCA as manager of the Under-19 cricket team and also as Physical Trainer.
Williams was the manager of the Jamaica Under-19 team, that recently won the double Regional U-19 Championship, and also served as the manager for the just-concluded West Indies Under-19 team tour to Sri Lanka.
Beckford, another vice principal at the Angels-based institution explained that a pall of gloom permeated the atmosphere as students and teachers alike, are still coming to terms with the situation.
“It is very somber, as we speak, we are doing some counselling to try and see how best we can help each other through this difficult period. I can’t find the words to express how great a loss it is, especially knowing that I spoke to him earlier because he was at work and then left to go to the doctor,” Beckford told Sportsmax.tv.
He recollected Williams’s dedication to his craft as both a lecturer and cricket manager, as well as his commitment to guiding those under his tutelage.
“Just think about somebody who motivates and instills discipline. In everything he always wants to help young people and pushes them to get the best of them. Everything that an educator or a parent would want from those under their care, that is the kind of person he was,” Beckford shared.
“We don’t really know what happened, if we were to say anything now it would just be speculating but he doesn’t deserve this and only God knows and we only hope that whoever it was will come forward,” he added.
Ferguson, a former student and assistant coach of GC Foster College, recalled how he and Williams met through their mutual acquaintance with the now-deceased Glenston Hutchinson.
The Jamaica College Head coach, like Beckford, spoke highly of Williams, who was affectionately known as “Gibbo”.
“I am not usual lost for words but right now it is hard to comprehend. Gibbo was more than a lecturer, he was a role model, a father figure, he motivated everyone and generally had a positive impact on those he came in contact with. It really hits hard and both GC Foster and the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) has lost a monumental figure,” Ferguson said.
“He was my lecturer in college plus he was very close friends with Hutchinson, so we grew into a friendship, and he would always see me and say, ‘boy coach “Hutchie” would be proud, and I am also proud of your achievements.’ So, he played a huge role in my upbringing from my time at GC Foster.
“Nobody really knows what happened, but no matter what the situation is, I don’t think any human being deserves to have their life taken and certainly not Gibbo, who had such a big heart and looked out for others,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Jamaica Athletics Administrative in sending condolence to the GC Foster College community, expressed shock and sorrow at Williams’s untimely passing.
“Mr. Williams was not just a dedicated educator but also a pillar of strength within your institution. His unwavering commitment to the betterment of students, his tireless efforts in promoting physical education and sports, and his genuine care for the welfare of the school community were truly remarkable,” the JAAA release said.
“In times like these, it is difficult to find words that adequately express the depth of our sympathy. We share in your grief and stand by your side as you mourn this profound loss. Mr. Williams’s contributions to the college and the lives he touched will be remembered with great respect and fondness,” the statement added.
The Jamaica Cricket Association was also saddened by the tragic situation.
“Gibbo was passionate, enthusiastic and a tireless servant of cricket. We pray that his soul is judged with mercy,” the JCA release stated.
Jamaica's technical director Maurice Wilson threatens legal action against Tyquendo Tracey after accusations of bias and favoritism
The Jamaica team’s Technical Director at the ongoing IAAF World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Maurice Wilson, is indicating that he intends to take legal action against sprinter, Tyquendo Tracey, for statements he deemed “libelous and defamatory” in relation to his non-selection to Jamaica’s 4x100m relay team at the Championships.
Tracey caused a stir on social media on Thursday when he uploaded a 15-minute video on YouTube accusing Wilson of “bias” and “favoritism” after it was found that Kadrian Goldson, a sprinter who attends the GC Foster College where Wilson is principal, was on the team and selected to compete in the heats of the 4x100m relay despite not qualifying for the team through the National Championships.
At those championships, Tracey was fifth in the men’s 100m final while Goldson was seventh. The usual protocol is that the top six finishers from the championships make up the relay pool.
In the video, the sprinter also claimed that Wilson has had a pattern of doing this while also calling him "a very evil and vindictive person."
According to Tracey, after he raised the issue with reporters in Budapest, he was contacted by Security Liaison Officer Steve McGregor and told his accreditation to the championships would be withdrawn and he would be asked to leave the team village.
“The utterances were libelous and defamatory,” Wilson said of Tracey’s allegations on Thursday night.
“My family is coming under attack on social media. The posts are out there. There is no way I will not have to seek redress in reference to my reputation. Track and field is a part of what I do. I’m also involved with youngsters that I mentor and try to assist so there is no way that I can allow this to just be a passing fire,” said Wilson, who is also head coach at the GC Foster College-based Sprintec Track Club.
“I’ve seen these things happen before. Tyquendo Tracey has been disrespectful before to management. He has made allegations on social media before about his former coach Stephen Francis so this is his modus operandi. It is very difficult for me not to seek some form of redress. This has to do with my reputation.”
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