JAAA boss elated after receiving national award

President of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) Garth Gayle says his recent national award has left him with a ‘humbling and exhilarating’ feeling.

Gayle was one of the more than 120 Jamaicans who received national awards during the National Honours and Awards Ceremony held at King’s House on Heroes’ Day, October 16.

President of the most successful sporting organisation in the country since 2020, Gayle was bestowed with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander, for his contribution to sports locally and internationally. The Kingston College old boy served as an executive member (secretary) of the JAAA for more than 20 years before he was voted in to take over the top job from Dr Warren Blake three years ago.

Getting the award was an early birthday present for Gayle who will be celebrating his 61st birthday next month and he was very elated with this recognition. “For me getting this award is a very humbling and exhilarating feeling. I am also honoured that the government has bestowed this honour on me after 40 years of dedicated service in the field of sport,” said Gayle.

He said he was surprised, but not shocked by the award as over the years many other persons who had done well had been honoured.

According to Gayle he was always willing to give back to his country. “I have always wanted to give of myself in service to my fellow citizens,” he said.

It has not been always rosy over the years for Gayle and he thanked his family for their continuous support. “I must say things have not been smooth all the time and I must personally say a big thank you to my family and friends for their continuous support,” he said.

Gayle also stated that his early days at Kingston College played a big part in his decision to be a sports volunteer.

“While being a student at my alma mater I learned a lot about volunteering as I saw where several past students of the institution returned to volunteer in coaching and other areas and this really motivated me and I was willing to follow in their footsteps,” he said.

Gayle had high praises for the athletes and coaches in Jamaica.

“Being at the helm of a very successful sporting organisation I must lift my hat off to the athletes and coaches who continue to set the standard high for the country’s continuously high achievement worldwide in the sport,” he said.

In closing he stated what he wants to see more being done for the sport of track and field in Jamaica.

“I want to see the country develop more partnerships locally and internationally to continue the development of the sport on behalf of athletes, coaches and stakeholders,” he said.