MARC STAMP, STAR Writer

ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' champion coaches, Michael Clarke of Calabar and Michael Dyke of Edwin Allen received $150,000 each courtesy of the sponsors, at a brief ceremony in Harbour Street, Kingston, yesterday.

Both coaches also got $25,000 gift vouchers courtesy of Hi-Lo Supermarket. Don Wehby, CEO of GraceKennedy said that this year it was decided the coaches of the winning schools would be rewarded. It will be done each year moving forward courtesy of the sponsor.

improved discipline

"GraceKennedy has been sponsoring Champs since 2007 and every year Champs has gotten better and better with great performances from the athletes. It is quite noticeable that over the years the discipline has also improved," Wehby said at the handing over presentation.

"We try to introduce new thinking and this year we have introduced awards for the champion coaches. The coaches have dedicated their lives, so we see it fit to reward them," he disclosed.

"We also congratulate ISSA for their tremendous execution of Champs 2014 and the media for excellent coverage of a world class event," Wehby added.

Dyke, who guided Edwin Allen High of Clarendon to their second girls title said it feels good to be rewarded by the sponsor.

"A big thank you to GraceKennedy for taking the coaches into consideration. Coaching is not only about winning. We take the welfare and health of the athletes very seriously," Dyke, who started as Edwin Allen's coach in 1990, said.

Omar Hawes, who accepted the reward in the absence of Calabar's head coach, Michael Clarke, also said it was a good move to reward the coaches.

"People don't understand what coaches go through, coaching goes beyond the technical aspects. It is an honour to accept this on behalf of Calabar," the assistant coach said.

Meanwhile, ISSA president, Dr Walton Small and ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Champion-ships, chairman, Colleen Montaque were presented with plaques by the sponsor.

"We try to introduce new thinking and this year we have introduced awards for the champion coaches. The coaches have dedicated their lives, so we see it fit to reward them."