EVENTS

Beyond the Podium: Olympians Shine at Annual OAJ/FOJ Event -   June 25, 2024

The Alhambra Inn’s dining terrace buzzed with conversation at the annual Olympians Association of Jamaica (OAJ)/Friends of Jamaica Track and Field event on June 25, 2024. This year’s event, dubbed “Beyond the Podium,” celebrated Olympians Debbie Byfield-Russell, Brigitte Foster-Hylton, OD, Winthrop Graham, OD, and Ian Weakly, who were officially recognized with their post-nominal letters, OLY, granted by the World Olympians Association (WOA) to athletes who have participated in the Olympic Games, the PhD equivalent for sport.

The award program, now in its seventh year, honoured sports administrators including Garth Gayle, OD, President of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA), Winston Harvey, Chief Timekeeper, Dennis May, Executive Member of the JAAA, and Ewan Scott, JAAA member and ISSA Competitions Officer.

Among the over 80 attendees were President of Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) Christopher Samuda and Olympians Lyndie Headley, Una Morris, Vilma Charlton, Alan-Roy Marsh, Ethlyn Tate, and Cathy Rattray Samuel. Track and field analyst Bruce James, the evening’s MC, kept the audience engaged with anecdotes from the awardees.

One of the evening's highlights was Winthrop Graham’s heartfelt response. He recounted his journey from humble beginnings in track and field, emphasizing his and business partner Cubie Seegobin’s success in advocating shoe and gear sponsorships from major companies for Jamaican high schools. Graham passionately spoke about the importance of supporting athletes and treating them with respect and dignity. He shared his drive to change the dynamic where athletes often felt like they were working for their managers, instead of the other way around. Known for his quiet demeanor and behind-the-scenes work, Graham's response was a rare display of his deep commitment to athlete welfare.

 Friends of Jamaica Track and Field (FOJ), dedicated to nurturing talented high school athletes in rural Jamaica, partnered with OAJ to host the event. FOJ provides essential resources, including sponsoring breakfast for students and offering boarding and counseling for a student from Bustamante High School aspiring to attend G.C. Foster College of Physical Education and Sport.

 The Olympians Association of Jamaica (OAJ), formed in 2004, promotes Olympic values and supports Olympians. Recently awarded a grant for a learn-to-swim project led by Olympian Alia Atkinson, the OAJ continues its commitment to community outreach. Over the past three years, the OAJ has honoured Olympians, provided scholarships, and placed plaques in high schools bearing the names of Olympians to inspire future generations. The OAJ maintains a strong relationship with the Jamaica Olympic Association to ensure the legacy of Jamaican Olympians inspires and benefits the nation