All set for Champs awards banquet

Leighton Levy, Gleaner Writer

All is now set for tonight's awards banquet at The Jamaica Pegasus where outstanding athletes, coaches, administrators and sponsors will be honoured for their contributions to the Boys and Girls' Championships in its 100 years of existence.

"We are counting the moments," said Colleen Montague, chairman of the Boys and Girls' Championships and principal of Wolmer's Girls' School. "So far, everything is in place."

The Wolmer's Girls principal said they are still awaiting the arrival of some of the invitees, including Inez Turner and Donald Quarrie, who have confirmed their attendance. However, some former athletes will not be able to attend due to prior commitments and will be represented by family members at the event. Those athletes include Merlene Ottey, who now lives in Slovenia; Raymond Stewart and Beverly McDonald, as well as Jackie Pusey. An otherwise strong turnout is expected.

Athletes who will be awarded tonight are those who dominated their eras at the championships. "Those are the ones who would have been outstanding for several years," Montague said. "They would have made tremendous impact at Champs over the years, whether they were class champions or had many outstanding performances."

Naturally, some former athletes will be awarded posthumously.