GC Foster 5K set to excite

After a successful meet a year ago, all is set for the second staging of the G.C. Foster 5K Fun Run/Walk this Sunday, starting at 2:00 p.m.

The announcement was made officially at a press launch at the institution yesterday, which also coincided with a graduation ceremony for 27 individuals who participated in a short course programme in the areas of fitness, instructor training, and sport massage therapy.

Two past students were recognised for outstanding contribution to the country during the event - Spencer Darlington and Dean Tomlin. Darlington was acknowledged for his contribution to the G.C. Foster College through media and communication, while Tomlin received his award for his sterling contribution to the development of middle and long distance running in Jamaica.

Acting Principal of G.C. Foster College of Physical Education and Sport Maurice Wilson spoke highly about the recognition of the institution and the role it has played in sports in Jamaica.

"I am really proud of what this institution has done for the contribution of sports in Jamaica, and this has really helped with the success of our athletes worldwide, and this 5k event on Sunday could be the start on our dominance in middle distance running like we have done in sprinting events," said Wilson.

President of the Jamaica Olympic Association, Christopher Samuda, also lauded the institution.

"I am delighted to be here to be a part of this 5K launch. G.C. Foster has been making sacrifices for the future and the JOA will always be on board in this area. The recent results at the World Championships is a testimony of this as several G.C. Foster students were involved," he said.

Also present was Denzil Wilks, general manager of the Sports Development Foundation, who in also representing the minister of sports, thanked the college for its high standards.

"G.C Foster College has raised the bar very high. It has paved the way for the country's success on the international stage as it has graduated coaches to the various schools in Jamaica to turn out all the talents to make the country proud. This 5K event is part of the legacy left by the great Gerald Claude Foster and the SDF will also do its best in supporting the institution," said Wilks.

A very passionate Marva Bernard, former President of Jamaica Netball Association, spoke about the rewards to gain from the 5k and implored the short course graduates to love what they do and to ensure that they remained focus in their endeavours.

Meet director and sports director of the institution Chester McCarthy gave direction of the race route. It starts at the G.C. Foster front gate, runners will then turn left onto Brunswick. They will then continue to Angels Phase 1, turning left into the housing scheme before exiting right back onto Brunswick. Competitors will then continue to finish at the school.

Kingston College's Ari Rodgers and Hydel's Monifa Green, who were recent winners of the Mico Pump It Up 5K, are the defending male and female champions.