The 7th annual 2C2W World Awards Gala, which took place in the vibrant heart of New York City on December 1, 2023, was a grand celebration of excellence in athletics. The event, attended by renowned figures from sports, academia, and business, illuminated the city with its recognition of extraordinary talent and leadership.

              In the spotlight was Fitz Coleman, the esteemed coach of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics 110m hurdles champion Hansle Parchment. His remarkable guidance and mentorship in the world of track and field, culminating in Olympic glory, were celebrated with fervour. Coleman's acceptance of his award was met with resounding applause, a tribute to his impactful coaching career.

  Peter Zinno, recognized for his significant contributions as the team manager for Team USA at the 2004 Indoor World Championships, was another key figure honoured at the gala. Zinno's expertise in sports management and his strategic leadership in shaping world-class athletic teams were highlighted as exemplary.

  The gala also paid homage to Garth Gayle, the innovative President of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA), and Dr. Warren Blake, a trailblazer in sports medicine. Gayle's and Blake’s respective roles in sports administration and athlete health care were lauded, underscoring the diverse facets of excellence in athletics.

              A highlight of the evening was the prestigious honour bestowed upon the JAAA. The JAAA was recognized for its significant contributions to the development and promotion of athletics, both locally and internationally. This accolade was a testament to the JAAA's commitment to fostering talent and elevating the sport to new heights.

 Dr Dorothy Hudson-Gayle, Basset Thompson, Raphael Ney Jean Francois and Michael Higgins were also among the distinguished individuals who were honoured.

 The 2C2W World Awards Gala transcended being merely an award ceremony; it was a unifying event celebrating the spirit of sportsmanship and leadership. Each story shared by the honorees echoed a legacy of hard work, determination, and a commitment to excellence, leaving the audience inspired and looking forward to the future of sports.

In a glittering celebration of athletic achievement and community impact, the 2C2W Athletics Academy is gearing up for its seventh annual awards ceremony and gala dinner and dance at Mirelle's in New York on December 1.

The prestigious event will honour a stellar lineup of Jamaican and Caribbean sports personalities, including track and field coach Fitz Coleman, former JAAA's President Dr. Warren Blake, current JAAA's President Garth Gayle, former New York Institute of Technology coach Peter Zinno, and several other distinguished individuals.

The brainchild behind these renowned awards, Clive Walters, provided insights into the evolution and significance of the ceremony. Initially conceived in 2017 to recognize coaches on World Coaches Day, the event has evolved to embrace a wider spectrum of contributions to sports, community, and leadership.

"This year we have included sports medicine, sports administration, outstanding alumni from GC Foster, and, of course, coaches," Walters explained. "We want to be inclusive and recognize the changing dynamics of the sports world. We've expanded our categories to acknowledge individuals making significant contributions at various levels of sports."

Among the honorees, the legendary Peter Zinno, known for his influential role in recruiting Jamaican athletes and Dr Dorothy Hudson-Gayle, stand out.

"And then we have our own Fitz Coleman. We have Dr. Warren Blake for sports medicine, Mark Biggins for leadership, and lawyers, recognizing the legal aspect of sports, as well as community involvement," Walters added.

Coach Coleman, who has coaches Hansle Parchment to Olympic gold, two World Championship silver medals and a bronze, said news that he was being awarded came as a surprise but he is grateful to have been recognized.

“It came basically out of nowhere but I feel very honoured, extremely honoured, and I appreciate Clive and his team’s effort to put this together and make this possible,” the esteemed coach told Sportsmax.TV.

“You get involved in sport because you love what you do and you think you have something to contribute. I got involved because I loved the sport and I felt I had something to contribute. Getting accolades was not on the agenda; that was not something I thought about, it was just getting involved and doing what I could so when this comes along it is definitely something that anyone would be proud of so I am very grateful to Clive and his team for this award. I really appreciate it.”

This year's awards reflect a holistic approach to acknowledging those who impact the sports arena in various capacities. Walters highlighted the importance of recognizing associations, singling out the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) for its global success.

"The JAAA has competed with the biggest brand countries in the world and been very successful. The brand of the JAAA is so big, and it's not just run by itself. It's run by people and volunteers," Walters praised.

Also among the distinguished individuals to be honoured are Basset Thompson, Raphael Ney Jean Francois and Michael Higgins.

The ceremony aims to showcase appreciation and recognition for individuals and organizations contributing at the community, national, and international levels. Walters expressed the essence of the event as a time to "recognize them and have a good time."

In yet another example of why Hansle Parchment continues to be a fan favourite who continues to perform at the highest level, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics champion has dedicated the silver medal he won at the 2023 World Athletics Championships to his long-time coach Fitz Coleman.

Parchment, 33, who won his first Diamond League trophy last month in a lifetime best and world-leading 12.93s run, was the runner-up to the now three-time world champion Grant Holloway of the USA, in Budapest in August. On Monday, he shared on social media that that silver medal holds special meaning.

“This year’s world championship in Budapest was special as I received a second medal for my coach,” he said. “Mr. Fitz Coleman has been my coach for 14 years and counting. He has been a friend and a mentor. He’s been a guiding force in all my achievements and I want to send a heartfelt thanks as he deserves this medal as much as I do.”

Parchment will attempt to defending his Olympic title in Paris next summer. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Parchment stunned the world by upstaging Holloway, the gold medal favorite, winning his first Olympic title in 13.04.

Veteran coaches Glen Mills, Fitz Coleman, Michael Carr and Wayne Long will receive Lifetime Achievement Awards for long and distinguished service during a ceremony set for Thursday, October 6, which is celebrated as National Coaches Day.