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MoBay honours sprinters Blake, Lee

Published:Thursday | October 20, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Sprinters Dexter Lee and Yohan Blake (second and third from left) display the awards given to them by the city of Montego Bay for their contribution to local sports and athletics, during the hosting of the 2011 Heritage Week celebration in Sam Sharpe Square on Monday, National Heroes Day. The athletes are flanked by MoBay's mayor, Charles Sinclair (left), and Ewen Corrodus, custos of St James. - Photo by Christopher Thomas

Christopher Thomas, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Sprinters Yohan Blake and Dexter Lee were presented with special awards and citations from the city of Montego Bay, St James, during its National Heroes' Day and Heritage Week celebrations at Sam Sharpe Square on Monday.

Lee and Blake, who hail from St James, were given citations of commendation for their respective contributions to the field of athletics during the ceremony, which observed the theme 'The Journey Continues'.

Lee also received a special award from the city for his participation in the 4x100 metre relay at the 2010 World Junior Championships in Moncton, Canada, where he also won the silver medal with a time of 10.21 seconds.

Meanwhile, Blake received the Keys to the City from mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Charles Sinclair.

'Thankful'

In addition to his silver-medal win at the 2010 athletics, Lee also won the 2007 World Youth Championships' 100-metre in 10.51 seconds and the 2008 World Junior Championships 100-metre dash in 10.40.

"I'm feeling very good knowing that I'm doing something good for Montego Bay, so I'm thankful for the award," Lee declared.

"I'm going to be starting back in training tomorrow, so hopefully next year, I'll be on the team to the 2012 championships in London running the 100-metres. As long as I make the team I'll be proud, but I'll only go there this time and run the 100 metres."

Blake became the 2011 World Championships 100-metre champion, winning in 9.92 seconds in South Korea.

National heroes honoured

During the ceremony, floral tributes were made to Jamaica's seven national heroes and citations read for each of them.

The ceremony also saw six individuals and an organisation - the Lions Club of Montego Bay - receiving the 2011 Sam Sharpe Awards for their contribution to the community.

The six individuals are: Grace Smith, for her agricultural contribution to society; Pishu Chandiram, recognised for his contribution to business development; William Vernon, art and culture development; along with Baldwin Dulston, Howard Deers, and Edna Facey, who were all honoured for community service.

The Lions Club's award for community service was collected by club president Rudolph Hislop.