Nation says farewell to Aris

A number of sporting dignitaries and diplomats are expected to be on hand today to witness the funeral service of former Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) president, Howard Robertson Aris, affectionately called 'Fudge', at the National Indoor Sports Centre.

Aris, who was 75, died of a heart attack two weeks ago while attending a People's National Party general election campaign event in Port Antonio, Portland.

The service, which has been afforded official status by the Government of Jamaica, is scheduled to get under way at 10 a.m., with interment set for the Dovecot Memorial Park, St Catherine.

Among those who are expected to be in attendance are Minister of Sports, Olivia "Babsy" Grange and Opposition Leader and shadow minister for sports, Portia Simpson Miller.

Also down to participate are president of the International Association of Athletics Federations president, Lamine Diack, president of the Jamaica Olympic Association, Mike Fennell and newly elected president of the JAAA, Dr Warren Blake.

Other presidents of various regional athletic federations are also expected to attend.

Prior to today's service, a condolence book was opened at JAAA's headquarters and a wake was held last Friday at the said headquarters, on Tremaine Road.

Aris, an inductee into the Order of Distinction, Commander class, and who headed the JAAA for seven years, was chairman of the Sports Development Foundation and a former member of other government sports agencies.

He has also represented the country's teams in various categories, including physiotherapist, manager, coach and head of delegation.