Ninety year-old Roy Thomas, was the oldest participant in the Heroes in Act!on Run/Walk, which was held in Falmouth, Trelawny on October 15. Thomas came in third in the 4K Run in the male category’s Super Masters Age Group 60-99, clocking a time of 42:31.
Usain Bolt (second left) contributes to the Trelawny Infirmary at the Heroes in Act!on Run/Walk. Sharing in the moment are (from left) Winsome Wilkins, chairman of the Usain Bolt Foundation, Saffrey Brown, general manager of the JN Foundation and Mayor of Falmouth, Councillor Colin Gager.
Usain Bolt (right), presents 77 year-old Gerline Nelson, who came first in the female category in the 4K Run for the female 60-99 age category with her trophy. Looking on is another participant in the race.
Forty-one outstanding students in this year’s Grade Six Achievement Test were awarded five-year bursaries by the JN Foundation in recognition of their accomplishments. Dr Renee Rattray, director of Education Programmes at the JN Foundation said the annual awards is one of the largest philanthropic efforts of the Jamaica National Group, which is aimed to empower future leaders to achieve academic success.
Oralee Jackson is no ordinary child; the 12-year-old has been an avid reader from she was three years old, a pastime that has served her well in becoming a top performer in this year’s Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT).
Oralee scored 99 per cent both in english language and Communication Task, 98 per cent in science and social studies respectively and 95 per cent in mathematics in the GSAT.
“I studied a lot. I put away my cell phone for three months until my exams were completed,” she said, recalling her routine to prepare for the GSAT exams.
However, her father, Oral Jackson, said her preparation for the “big exams of her life,” was years in training.
“From an early age, she maintained a level of discipline and was always an ‘A’ student,” he said proudly of his only child.
Jackson, who is the area supervisor for the Transport Authority in Westmoreland, said that he and his wife, Sharnett, provided a nurturing environment to allow their daughter to excel.
“When she made mistakes we would correct her, we did not bully her. and I don’t believe in beating, which boosted her confidence,” he explained.
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The Jacksons said that they also played an active role in her schoolwork, as her homework was always checked and signed before it was returned to her teachers.
Describing his emotions when he was informed that his daughter was awarded the JN Bursary, Jackson said: “I knew that she would be rewarded for a work well done, and I am proud of her.”
Oralee was presented with the scholarship at a GSAT Awards reception on Sunday, September 10 at JN Bank in Kingston.
Meanwhile, Sharnett is encouraging parents of prospective GSAT candidates to influence their children to develop the habit of reading.
“Encourage them to read from an early age, as later on it will be to their benefit. Do not wait until Grade six to start the preparation,” she advised.
Oralee, who wants to be a lawyer, had words of advice for GSAT candidates. She is encouraging them to work hard and believe in themselves.
“It is not easy, but when you put in the hard work, you will be rewarded,” she said.
She earned a place at Manning’s School, starting earlier this month. She also commended her teacher, Darnette Campbell of Unity Primary in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, for preparing her for the GSAT.
A significant number of mature Jamaicans, including some senior citizens turned out this year to support the Heroes in Act!on Run/Walk, which identified the Trelawny Infirmary as the 2017 beneficiary of the proceeds from the event.
The Run/Walk, which was organised by the JN Foundation in partnership with the Usain Bolt Foundation, was held on Sunday, October 15 in the historic town of Falmouth, Trelawny.
This year’s event attracted 90 year-old Roy Thomas, one of the oldest marathon runners in Jamaica. Thomas, who was the oldest participant to register for the Heroes in Act!on Run/Walk, came in third in the 4K Run in the male category’s Super Masters Age Group 60-99, clocking a time of 42:31.
For 77 year-old Gerline Nelson, who was first in the female category, this year’s Run was special for her. “I run at all times because it means something to me. People who are sick can get help through these marathons,” she said.
Mrs. Nelson who began running marathons back in 2006, has become an expert. Her advice for keeping fit is to reduce salt, fat, meat and eat more fruits and vegetables.
“No bag juice, no quench aid. I mix my own juices. I go to the market, purchase the beetroot, carrot, parsley, broccoli, cauliflower and blend all of them together and drink it,” she informed.
She has also participated in other marathons in Trinidad, Antigua and Cayman.
Eighty-one year-old Norma Chang, a resident of Falmouth Trelawny, said she was happy to participate in the event as the proceeds will go toward the Trelawny Infirmary.
Onyka Barrett-Scott, partnership and development manager at JN Foundation, said that the Trelawny Infirmary was selected as this year’s beneficiary because of the important role that the elderly played in building communities.
“We believe in our elders. We know that they played important roles in the building of communities that we now call home; and, therefore, it is only fitting that when they reach their golden years that they can continue to live with dignity and in comfort,” she said, noting that proceeds from the race will be used to improve facilities at the Trelawny Infirmary.
Data from Running Events Limited revealed that there were more participants in the 40-59 age group in this year’s event, with 198 persons registering, which was up from 173 in 2016. For participants in the 60-69 age group, 29 persons registered for the event this year, which was the same as last year. The overall number of participants in this year’s event was 1,600.
Contact: Dionne Rose l JN Corporate Communications l JN Bank l Tel: 936-3367 l Email: drose@JNGroup.com l October 17, 2017
FALMOUTH, Trelawny – Mayor of Falmouth Councillor Colin Gager says that last weekend’s Heroes in Act!on Run/Walk, which recorded some 1,600 participants, has brought exposure and economic value to the historic town of Falmouth.
“It has brought exposure and you can’t beat that. We have people here from nearly every parish coming to Falmouth for this run. Therefore, it is one of those big activities that will boost the parish, and it is happening at the right time, in the right place,” he argued shortly after participating in the 4K Walk on Sunday.
Mayor Gager pointed out that Falmouth is known as a tourism town, and with the third staging of the Run/Walk event, the historic town is now being seen as a “fitness town”.
“I believe that this Run/Walk will get bigger and better. When it started two years ago, it was nothing compared to this year’s renewal. Today, large numbers of persons arrived in Falmouth, and the car parks were filled,” he said.
He also commended the JN Foundation and the Usain Bolt Foundation for partnering to mount the event, and thanked the planners for choosing the Trelawny Infirmary as the beneficiary.
Saffrey Brown, general manager of the JN Foundation, said the event was a success, as the turnout surpassed last year’s numbers, which comprised slightly over 1,000 participants.
“We had an amazing morning, doing a 4K Run & Walk along with a 10K Run; and both routes were absolutely wonderful and interesting. Participants were able to view the beautiful Georgian buildings in Falmouth and posted good times,” she noted.
Bolt, too, was pleased with the turnout.
“I believe that every year we get a bigger crowd, and hopefully, we can continue doing this in the years to come. I’m excited that people actually understand what they need to do, and try to help in their own special way, because when everybody gives back, it all adds up,” he said.
The 4K run in the female category was won by Tamasha Smith from the Jamaica National Group, while Siena Smith of William Knibb Memorial High School was second, and Letanya McDonald of Rhodes Hall High School, third.
In the male category, Kemar Leslie of Rainforest Seafood placed first. Second place went to Delvarado Smith of Royalton Luxury Resort, while Jamrio Daley was third.
The winner for the 10K Run in the male category was Oshane Archibald; Nickoy Harding was second; and Lucien Graham finished third.
For the female category, Karlene Blagrove of Pacers Running Club was first; Chrisy Granville of William Knibb Memorial second; and Ashanto Carrol was third.
Dell Wong emerged winner of the 4K Walk in the female category. Michelle Bailey placed second and Natasha Sessen was third.
In other results, Jason Whynn was first in the male category, followed by Anthony Burrows and Noel Wedderburn, who was third.
Proceeds from the event will be presented to the Trelawny Infirmary. In addition, during the post-event awards presentation ceremony, the Usain Bolt Foundation confirmed a donation of $500,000 to the state-run institution.
The world’s fastest man, Usain St. Leo Bolt, will start the Heroes in Act!on Run/Walk, this coming Sunday, October 15, at the Falmouth Cruise Port at 7:00 a.m. in Trelawny. The event is being staged by the JN Foundation, in partnership with the Usain Bolt Foundation.
“This year’s event promises to be one with a difference,” said Bolt, who pointed out that, “This is not a competitive event; but, one for family and friends, celebrating heroes and running for a good cause.”
“The proceeds from the event, which takes place under the theme ‘Run For Our Heroes,’ will be donated to the Trelwany Infirmary, to upgrade and refurbish the facility, which houses 62 senior citizens,” he informed.
Saffrey Brown, general manager of the JN Foundation, said that preparations are in high gear for the third staging of the event. “The response to the event from the public has been encouraging with about 10 sponsors on board. We, therefore, anticipate a successful run/walk on October 15,” she said.
The Mayor of Falmouth, Councillor Colin Gager, said the historic town of Falmouth was in high anticipation of the event and stands ready to welcome patrons who will participate in the run.
“This is a great opportunity to showcase the town of Falmouth so that the Georgian architecture can be seen. I encourage everyone to come out and enjoy themselves,” he said.
The Mayor noted that he was also happy that Trelawny Infirmary was this year’s beneficiary for the run. “This is happening at the appropriate time and all the proceeds from the event will go towards rehabilitation of the infirmary,” he said.
The general manager of JN Foundation pointed out that persons who are unable to physically participate in the event may donate to the cause via the crowdfunding platform, ISupportJamaica.com.
“Log onto the ISupportJamaica website at: www.isupportjamaica.com and donate. Also encourage your friends and families to pledge to this cause,” she stated, noting that the site is safe and secure.
Persons can also visit the JN Foundation and Running Events websites at the www.www.jnfoundation.com or www.runningeventsja.com to view the route maps.
The Run/Walk will culminate in a post-run celebration and awards ceremony, featuring entertainment by Ding Dong and Kevin Downswell.
Contact: Dionne Rose l JN Corporate Communications l JN Bank l Tel: 936-3367 l Email: drose@JNGroup.com l Website
The JN Foundation has launched a campaign to raise funds that will assist Caribbean islands which were devastated by the recent hurricanes Irma and Maria. The campaign, called ‘Help Our Caribbean Neighbours’.
Onyka Barrett-Scott, partnerships &development manager, JN Foundation, said the devastation to several Caribbean islands caused by the hurricanes is heart-rending.
“This is a sad and difficult time for many persons across the Caribbean region, and we stand in solidarity with everyone affected by these disasters. There are many needs that now exist; therefore, we’ve chosen to respond by raising funds to assist with the response and recovery efforts,” she said.
Barrett-Scott said the generosity of donors will help to meet some of the hurricane-related needs and support the recovery plans in the affected countries in the region. The target for the Relief Fund is US$10,000.
“I urge everyone to support the many families and children in need by giving to this disaster relief campaign, and please donate whatever you can. A little can go a very long way,” she added.
Individuals can donate to the fund by visiting the ISupport Jamaica platform at www.isupportjamaica.com and clicking on the donate button; by using JN LIVE; or by visiting the nearest JN Branch or JN MoneyShop and making a contribution to the JN Foundation Disaster Relief Fund, account number 2094267610.
Several islands were affected by major hurricanes Irma and Maria, which moved across the northern Caribbean leaving a trail of death and destruction.
The islands affected include: Barbuda, where more than 1,500 residents had to abandon the island, as it was deemed inhabitable; Dominica, which had 27 deaths and the majority of its infrastructure destroyed; the US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands, where most people are still without power; St Maarten, which had a third of its buildings destroyed; as well as Puerto Rico and Cuba.
Since the inception of the Jamaica National (JN) Foundation’s scholarship programme in 1983, this year had the highest number of awardees to receive bursaries that should go towards their academic expenses from first through to fifth form.
Forty-one students from all across the island, supported by cheering parents, were present at Jamaica National’s Half-Way-Tree branch to collect their awards, after breaking down all barriers to excel in the 2017 Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT).
Receiving the parish scholarship for Manchester, Ryan Oliphant praised his family support for his success.
“My family and I were praying that I’ll get good grades and a scholarship, so our prayers have been answered,” he stated.
Ryan gained a 98 per cent overall average in GSAT, and is now a student of Manchester High School.
Besides the parish scholarship category, there were also special areas for the JN School Savers and the children of Jamaica National employees.
Three individuals bagged School Savers’ awards: Alaina Uter representing the county of Cornwall, Kelene McKenzie representing Middlesex, and Orlando Stephens from Surrey.
THE TWO FROGS
Guest speaker Dahlia Harris, delivered an encouraging story to the awardees, placing in their heads the idea to avoid negative influences.
“One of my favourite stories is about two little frogs running up and down in a forest, and who fell in a deep hole. So the whole community of frogs came to see them in the deep hole. The other frogs said you won’t come out, but the two frogs started jumping because they wanted to come out. The people were saying that they were wasting energy. After a while one of the frogs listened and stopped jumping. He stopped believing that he could make it. He died,” she shared with the group of bright young men and women.
“The other frog was not going to be deterred. He jumped and he jumped, and no matter how the people said he won’t come out, he jumped until one day, he eventually made it out. When he came out, the other frogs said: ‘No, man! This is amazing. What kept you going even though we were shouting that you were not going to make it?’ ‘A dat oonu did a seh? Mi think a cheer oonu did a cheer fi mi come out.’ He was so focused. Even when others say change is not possible, we have to keep pressing on”.
jason.cross@gleanerjm.com
