Jamaica to establish UTech scholarship in memory of coach Stephen Francis
Key Points(5)
- The Jamaican government will establish a scholarship at the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) in memory of legendary track and field coach Stephen Francis.
- Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange announced the initiative during a thanksgiving service celebrating Francis' life at the National Indoor Sports Centre in St.
- Andrew on Saturday, Aug.
- Francis, affectionately known as "Franno" by friends and athletes, died on July 4 following a period of illness.
- During her tribute, Grange said the government would work with UTech and Francis' family to establish a lasting tribute to the coach.
The Jamaican government will establish a scholarship at the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) in memory of legendary track and field coach Stephen Francis.
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange announced the initiative during a thanksgiving service celebrating Francis' life at the National Indoor Sports Centre in St. Andrew on Saturday, Aug. 15.
Francis, affectionately known as "Franno" by friends and athletes, died on July 4 following a period of illness. He was 63.
During her tribute, Grange said the government would work with UTech and Francis' family to establish a lasting tribute to the coach.
"The Government will have discussions with UTech and with Paul (Francis) to see how we can ensure that there is a lasting tribute to Franno," Grange said.
She said further details about the scholarship would be announced after consultations with UTech and Francis' family.
UTech President Dr. Kevin Brown welcomed the initiative and thanked Grange for offering the scholarship in Francis' memory.
"We look forward to giving that (scholarship) to a worthy recipient in the new academic year," Brown said.
Francis played a major role in the development of Jamaican track and field athletes through the Maximising Velocity and Power (MVP) Track Club, which he founded and coached.
Over three decades, athletes trained under Francis won numerous medals at the Olympic Games, World Athletics Championships and World Junior Championships, while also setting national, world and Olympic records.
Among the athletes whose careers were shaped by Francis were Kishane Thompson, Asafa Powell, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Shericka Jackson, Elaine Thompson-Herah, Tajay Gayle, Sherone Simpson and Brigitte Foster-Hylton.
Francis' coaching legacy has made him one of the most influential figures in Jamaica's track and field development, with his athletes helping to cement the country's reputation as a global sprinting powerhouse.
