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Jennifer Bolt, mother of World and Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt, has been chosen as the first recipient of the International Mothers of Distinction (IMOD) award.

The announcement was made recently at a press conference held at the offices of the Jamaican consul general in Toronto, Canada. It was attended by Jamaica's Consul General to Toronto, Seth George Ramocan, and Usain's father, Wellesley Bolt.

The IMOD award is the brainchild of a Jamaican-Canadian businessman, Delford Blythe, who said the award was created to "recognise the important and significant role that mothers play in the lives of their families and the development of society in general".

He explained that each year, one mother would be chosen by the IMOD committee for the Founders award, while another four mothers would be chosen from a field of nominations received from around the world.

Blythe said Mrs Bolt was chosen as the first recipient of the Founders award because of the significant impact she has had on the life of her son.

He lauded her for the significant achievements of her son, noting: "Usain has brought back a certain excitement to international athletics that was not there in recent times, and has elevated the Jamaica 'brand' to a level never seen before."

The IMOD award will be an annual event open to all mothers from around the world and from all walks of life. The inaugural awards ceremony will take place on May 7, 2011, in Toronto when all five mothers will receive their awards.

Blythe said the mothers would not only be presented with awards, but a donation in their honour would be made to a charity in each of the recipient's home country.

Nominations needed

The organisers are now encouraging nominations of mothers who demonstrate accomplishments as a nurturer, role model, achiever, or agent of change. Nominations will close on January 31, 2011. Nomination forms are available at www.mothersofdistinction.com.

Blythe, a certified general accountant, who is also involved in several businesses, including the recently launched Toronto radio station, CARN 98.7FM, said the IMOD is driven by Marion C. Garretty's quote: "A mother's love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible."

The Bolts, who were in Canada recently as Blythe's guests, took part in several Jamaican events in the Toronto area. They presented Consul General Ramocan and Jamaica's High Commissioner to Canada, Her Excellency Sheila Sealy Monteith, with plaques - created by Patrick Cawley of PCF Company Ltd - depicting their son's achievements.