Several boys from Central Kingston found their footing in athletics with the help of coach Percival 'Itesman' Cordwell. He was said to be instrumental in the victory of the 12-year-old winner, as well as the other top spots in the of one-mile race held  downtown Kingston.

Published: May 4, 1988

A 12-year-old runner wants to represent Jamaica in football

By Douglas Robinson

TWELVE-year-old Trevor Spencer of Holy Family Primary School easily won the Downtown Kingston One-Mile race on Sunday, April 24 at Nethersole Place.

Spencer was in front from start to finish as he outclassed all the boys and girls. He won the event confined to 13-year-olds and under, living in downtown Kingston.

A day in which you normally find the youths of the area and its surroundings going to the sea to have a swim, and then head straight to the shaded Nethersole building and relax turned into a day of enjoyment.

Spencer, who hails from Higholborn Street in central Kingston was very proud of his victory.

Affectionately known as 'Hernie', Trevor said after the race, "I knew I couldn't lose, because I was under some heavy training."

A proud coach Cordwell, a stalwart of central Kingston, said Spencer's win was due mainly to his personal discipline and dedication, and motivation from the rest of the boys. They were in training for the past two months; those finishing second to fourth in the race were all taking orders from Cordwell.

Cordwell himself was a Kingston Restoration Company (KRC) development officer who has supplemented the Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association's exercise with a regular training programme for the youngsters.

Spencer, a grade-six student at Holy Family, stated, "Although I like athletics, I want to be a footballer and represent my country."

The first of two children for mother Joan Stewart, Trevor is presently captain of Art and Fabric knockout football champions Holy Family Primary School, and is anxiously awaiting his Common Entrance result. He intends to attend either Kingston College or St. George's College.

When asked if his father was on hand to witness his convincing victory, he took a deep breath, looked into the air and said sadly, "My father is dead."

Spencer's passing shot was, "I would like to thank my coach and the rest of the boys for spending their precious time with me each evening. My loving mother who gave me the incentives, and most of all, the organisers for putting on such a wonderful event."

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