André Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

The University of Technology's (UTech) Faculty of Science and Sport, Caribbean School of Sport Science, yesterday staged its inaugural Coaches' Conference at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston.

The conference, which was also used to pay homage to the outstanding achievements and contributions of several local sporting greats, will become an annual one and is the first of its kind in Jamaica and the region.

With a mixture of academic material, scientific approach and practical application, the conference was hailed throughout as a vanguard for the efforts to ensure the island's sustainable sporting excellence.

Outstanding administrator Dr Dennis Johnson, pioneering sporting all-rounder Lindy Delapenha, respected sport journalist Tony Becca and Jamaica's first female Olympian Dr Cynthia Thompson, were all honoured for their work in the field of sport.

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Dr Colin Gyles, dean of the Faculty of Science and Sport at UTech, underlined the importance of the conference and stated the need to develop not only high-level athletes, but also well-trained support personnel.

"This is a first not only in Jamaica, but also in the Caribbean, and is a part of the University of Technology's vision to extend the frontiers of sport," said Gyles during the opening stages of the function. "Not only in terms of the performance of our athletes, but we want to develop world-class professionals to support the success and ensure the continuity.

"It is our hope that through this event, the continued development of our coaches and the application of science, we will not only do well, but we will be able to sustain the success," Gyles added.

Sport minister Olivia 'Babsy' Grange was also on hand to giver her thoughts on the conference.

"I'm confident that the deliberations that will ensue will contribute to the body of knowledge of our coaches," Grange said. "I believe that a greater understanding of these efforts will improve the coaching profession and develop our athletes."