Powerlifting graduates first coaching cohort
Published:Sunday | December 25, 2022 | 1:16 AM
THE NATIONAL Powerlifting Association of Jamaica (NPAJ) Level One strength and conditioning course has its first cohort of graduates.
The course was a partnership between NPAJ and the University of Technology’s (UTech) Faculty of Science and Sports (FOSS), with both entities recognising and congratulating the participants.
The completion of the Level One programme marked the first successful, full-course partnership between the university and NPAJ, although lecturers from UTech aided in training coaches before.
Class valedictorian Jeremy Owen, speaking on behalf of the 15 graduates, lauded the lecturers, saying they not only ensured they learnt the theory, but also underwent and understood the practical aspects of the course.
Several figures in the Jamaican sporting landscape attended the graduation, including Jamaica Hockey Federation President Fabian Stewart and directors Carlton Campbell and Peter Higgins; NPAJ Chairperson for Training and Development, Orville Byfield; Jamaica Olympic Association President Christopher Samuda; General Manager of the Sports Development Foundation (SDF), Denzil Wilks; and Director at the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Suzette Irvin Ison.
KEYNOTE SPEECH
Irvin Ison delivered the keynote speech on behalf of Minister Olivia Grange and applauded the efforts of the NPAJ, and similar sporting bodies, for continuing to push the envelope for non-traditional sports. She also highlighted the power of the sport to bolster athletes from within other disciplines, as well as an alternative sport for individuals seeking strength conditioning.
Irvin Ison announced that the ministry would cover the cost of an incoming multi-rack for powerlifting, which delighted stakeholders in the NPAJ.
Meanwhile, Wilks praised the continued drive of the NPAJ to become a major player in the Jamaican space and acknowledged the limited support, generally financially, that the SDF can afford sporting disciplines.
Samuda also commended the NPAJ for their continued ambition towards greater success.
The graduating class had three women and 12 men, who are expected to spearhead the NPAJ’s coaching efforts.
Graduates
Kamau-Akeele Brown, DuWayne Campbell, Jevon DaCosta, Mark Green, Richardo Green, Matthewjon Griffiths-Shannon, Clifton Lee, Chantolle McKenzie, Suzette McPhail, Jeremy Owen, Kemar Phang, Tesi Scott, Ruel Segree, Jonhoi Vaughn and Ricardo Williams.