Shelly-Ann Fraser, Beijing Olympic gold medallist today edged out fellow Jamaican Veronica Campbell-Brown to win the women’s 100 metres at the Herculis Super Grand Prix in Monaco.
Fraser clocked 10.91 to win ahead of Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie of the Bahamas, who did 10.97.
Campbell-Brown, the Beijing Olympic 200-metre champion, ended third in 11.03.
Meanwhile, Beijing Olympic champion Melaine Walker of Jamaica had to settle for second in the women’s 400-metre hurdles in 54.20.
Lashinda Demus of the USA easily won in 52.63.

Wednesday, February 18 – Antigua Recreation Ground, Antigua & Barbuda: Windies batsman, Ramnaresh Sarwan, produced another assured innings here Tuesday but was left cursing himself for missing out on a 13th Test century and allowing England to take a big first innings lead and command of the 3rd Digicel Test after three days.

The visitors closed day three on 31 for one, an overall lead of 312, after bowling out the West Indies for 285 in reply to their 566 for nine declared.

"I'm very disappointed that I got out on 94. Of course to get out at that time, at that position in the game kind of put us back as well. So I'm really disappointed both personally and from the point of view of the team as well," Sarwan said after play.

The 28-year-old, who hit a century in the West Indies' victory in the opening Digicel Test in Jamaica, played beautifully on an increasingly difficult surface, cracking 14 fours and a six off 133 balls. But he tried to reach three figures with a six off Graeme Swann's off spin and only chipped a catch to midwicket.

."I thought I worked pretty hard throughout the whole innings. I was concentrating pretty hard and to play a shot like that at that point of the game was really disappointing," he admitted.

"I was trying to his it straight but for some reason my bat spun in my hand. It's not a shot I really want to talk about too much. I'm really disappointed I played that shot at that particular time."

Sarwan's dismissal sparked a slide in which the West Indies lost their last five wickets for 34 runs. Sarwan admitted that batting was difficult but said he had stuck to a game plan: "I thought it was important for me to try to play the ball as late as possible and try and play straight, try and take away the flat-batted shots. And actually it paid off.

"I found the seamers a bit harder. Obviously I was a bit worried about the ridge (on the pitch). Nevertheless, I tried to keep that out of my mind as much as possible. Of course you don't want to take anything away from Swann, I thought he bowled pretty well also. He was pretty consistent with his line and length."

Sarwan was aware of his team's uphill struggle to save the Test but was straightforward in his assessment of the situation: "We have to try and let England bat as long as possible to try and get whatever total they are trying to get and, of course, it is important whenever we get our opportunity to bat to try and occupy the crease."

Ricardo Fuller, the Jamaican born Stoke City striker got himself some negative headlines following a brawl with a teammate at Sunday’s losing game to West Ham in the English Premier League.

Facing disciplinary action for the on field row with captain, Andy Griffin, where Fuller struck the captain, the 29-year-old’s fate is in the hands of the club, who has declared the situation an internal matter, according to Teamtalk.

Calling Fuller a key player, Spokes City Chairman, Peter Coates told reporters, "I will talk to the manager when he gets back but it is an internal matter. He is a very important player for Stoke and will be important for the second half of the season. But it is our affair and we will deal with it in our own way.”

Fuller, who was red carded during the defeat at Upton Park on Sunday faces a three-match suspension.

Manager, Tony Pulis said there is no condoning what Fuller has done and he’s waiting for the in house meeting on the matter to be clear on follow up action.

The incident reportedly began when Fuller approached Griffin asking belligerently, why he had given West Ham’s Carlton Cole way to get past him – scoring in the 51st minute and canceling Abdoulaye Faye’s fourth minute header that had put Stoke in the lead.

Pulis told reporters that while Fuller is volatile, the two team-mates actually get along well together and spoke of his being shocked at the incident.

Today Coates said recovering from this is certain and that the team spirit at Stoke is good and will remain that way. He expressed disappointment at the lack of self control exhibited, and looks forward to the mend.

Reggae Boyz coach John Barnes and captain Tyrone Marshall were ecstatic about winning the Digicel Caribbean Championship, Sunday night at the National Stadium, where they defeated Grenada 2-0 in the finals.

Coach Barnes said that it was a great feeling and the guys played a wonderful tournament...

Tyrone Marshall said that not having qualified for the World Cup, he was aware that support was not going to be the best, but this win has restored some respect for the team.

The Grenadian's player/coach and captain, Anthony Modeste said that they are proud of their achievements, even though they lost, they don't feel like losers. Modeste is also captain of Digicel Premier League champions, Portmore United. He thanks Digicel for organising a wonderful tournament as well as Captain Burrel and the JFF (Jamaica Football Federation). Modeste also congratulates Barnes and Marshall saying that they are worthy champions.

The Boyz will now be focusing their attention to the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which will be held in the USA next year.

.

By: Devon Anderson and Dwight Fraser

Jamaica's Reggae Boyz exhibited another good display to beat Honduras 1 - 0 courtesy of a goal from Luton Shelton's 16 minutes strike, which was enough in the make or break CONCACAF make-up semi-final round fixture at the National Stadium in Kingston last night.

The victory eased Jamaica into third place in the 4 team group B with 7 points; 2 behind Honduras who started the round as leaders over Mexico on goal defense.

Mexico and Canada drew 2 - 2 in their encounter last night in Edmonton; which places the Central Americans on top with 10 points, but still not leaving them assured of advancing to the final round of 6 teams.

Canada has already been eliminated as they move to 2 points with one game remaining against Jamaica on the 19th of November.

Jamaica will have to beat Canada on that date to give themselves a chance to qualify for the next round.

The game was played at a level of high intensity but the Reggae Boyz were able to come out on top to keep their hopes alive for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Credit must be given to the coach Theodore Whitmore and team captain Ricardo Gardner for leading from the front.

Yardflex would like to congratulate the team for putting up a good fight to beat both Mexico and Honduras and hope they will continue on the same course for a win against Canada.

at the National Stadium next month.

Even though the former fastest man in the world, Asafa Powell performed disappointingly at the Beijing Olympics this year, coming in 5th for the 100 meters, while Usain Bolt took the gold in 9.69 seconds; he is adamant about his way forward and speaks confidently about exceeding Bolt’s world record breaking time.

Promising to improve on even his personal best of 9.72 seconds that he clocked in Lausanne, Switzerland shortly after Beijing, Powell told the Gleaner that he is at a very exciting time of his life and is really enjoying sprinting at the moment. “To have someone from Jamaica who's so fast to run against is very exciting. It motivates me to go and train harder than ever before. I'm really excited about it," Powell said.

His personal best in Switzerland recently, sent a strong message to all his challengers; that it is plain to see that he is walking his talk and stepping up to the plate or standard set by Bolt.

Without flinching, Powell declared that he will be right there with Bolt, no matter how fast he takes it.

He has spoken about aiming for a world record run as low as 9.6 and is sure this is a possibility that he has to be ready for. As the only athlete to have run under 10 seconds in about 14 races during a single season, Powell’s victories on the track have been overshadowed by disappointments at the Athens Olympics and the Beijing Games.

Beijing OlympicsRealizing that his two major competitors plan to come fast and furious for the next track season in 2009, Usain Bolt has effectively given them a strong warning not to underestimate his abilities next year.

Bolt, now back home in Jamaica, spoke to reporters at a press conference after the glorious motorcade that went from the Norman Manley airport to the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, and said he will be ready and looking forward to competing against Asafa Powell and Tyson Gay next season.

Having taken the world record 100 meter crown in New York during May, Bolt beat his own 9.72 world record mark in Beijing where he clocked 9.69. Conscious of the hard work ahead as he focuses on maintaining his status as the first man since Carl Lewis in 1984 to capture the sprint double at an Olympic games, Bolt said while it took enormous effort to get to the top it will take even harder work to stay at the top.

Bolt said he spoke to both Powell and Gay, letting them know that he will be ready for them next year; and while they will be coming faster, he will be well prepared. “A lot of people know I have a lot more in me,” he stated.

As he awaits the Athletissima Grand Prix in Lausanne, Switzerland, Asafa Powell spoke to reporters about his aims as a top sprinter; and he is bent on topping the remarkable 9.69 record set for the 100 meter by his team mate, Usain Bolt.

Speaking of Bolt’s record breaking run as ‘ridiculous” in terms of him going way and beyond anyone’s expectations, Powell said he is now inspired to go below 9.6 seconds for the 100 meters; as he is determined to make sure Bolt is out of his reach.

Although experiencing a season where injuries have become a barrier to his success, Powell was able to bring home an Olympic gold for the 4 by 100 relay, while individual medals eluded the champion sprinter who placed fifth in the 100 meter both in Beijing this year and in Athens in 2004.

Unable to explain why he masters the annual track circuits without ever medaling individually at any Olympics, Powell said that while Beijing was his best chance to cop an Olympic win so far, he is looking forward to the 2012 London games which he states will be his last opportunity.

Powell said, “I can't imagine the times he [Bolt] is capable of running at the moment. He's the man to beat right now but before it was me and if I can break another world record then I'll be the one back in the spotlight."

On Friday Bolt ran to a tidy 100 meter win at Zurich’s Weltklasse Athletic meeting that followed his brilliant display of a triple medal gold haul in Beijing.

Also scheduled to run in Lausanne, Bolt will be in action with the 200 meter, while Powell competes in the 100 meter.

Beijing Olympics, Usain Bolt beat American Walter Dix (9.99 seconds) and Trinidadian Richard Thompson (10.09 seconds) to win the 100 meters clocking 9.83 seconds at the Weltklasse Golden League meeting held at the Letzigrund Stadium on Friday.
Though his start was poor, earning him the slowest reaction time on the field, Bolt recovered quickly and by mid-race was 'bolting' to an easy victory.
"It was a good nice track..." Bolt said. He also acknowledged that his start was not his best, but he "concentrated on winning..." He blames his slower time on his having a cold.
The meet was not a great success for the Caribbean as there were only a few medals earned. Bahamian Chris Brown placed third in the 400 metres in 45.05 seconds, Jamaican Danny McFarlane also finished third in the 400 metres hurdles in 48.40 seconds and Novlene Williams earned bronze in the 400 metres clocking 50.78 seconds.

Expressing that he has nothing to worry about because he is clean, Usain Bolt is not surprised at the numerous tests he has been required to undergo as athletic organizations wallow in disbelief at his amazing feat of breaking historical records.

The triple gold winner who made Caribbean and Olympic history in Beijing China discussed the series of tests that entailed, blood and urine tests at an event sponsored by his sponsor, Puma. Explaining that he was tested four times even before starting to run in Beijing, Bolt says proudly that all tests came back negative.

Saying the testing was done so many times, that he lost track, Bolt remains confident of his actions saying that he trains hard and performs well; leaving no other explanation for his colossal performances.

.

Several cricket boards have been concerned with security for their teams who were originally scheduled to travel to Pakistan, a region currently recognized as potentially volatile. This has forced the International Cricket Council (ICC) to take a decision to postpone the Champions Trophy, slated for September 12 to 28 in Pakistan.

Omar Khan, West Indies cricket team manager expressed his disappointment in the decision, saying his team is anxious to get on with the business of playing cricket, which is their livelihood. Khan told CMC Sports from Canada where the West Indies had a winning streak in the Scotia Bank Tri-Nation Series, that after building great momentum in Canada it was not ideal to now be inactive.

At the same time, Khan is in agreement with the considerations given to the players’ safety and he finds that decisions made because of security issues in Pakistan are understandable.

Khan said the West Indian Cricket Board will probably come together soon to figure out a way to keep the players in training, while the tournament, described as the most significant after World Cup, will be postponed until October 2009.

Khan, who is very proud of the young West Indies team players, lauded their achievements in Canada after their games against Canada and Bermuda. While giving accolades to all, he singled out Xavier Marshall, named player of the tournament who struck 157 against Canada in the Windies’ second match last Friday, including a world record 12 sixes.

By: Devon Anderson and Dwight Fraser

The 29th Olympiad came to an end in Beijing with the same theatricality with which everyone was welcomed at the opening ceremony. At the bird nest stadium, where these games were held in China, a capacity crowd of 91,000 witnessed this fantastic closing ceremony.

Competing against each other in various sporting events, 204 countries came together; and in the end Jamaica's performance in track and field took precedence as a small Caribbean country with outstanding output especially in the sprint events.

Most notable are the 11 medals the country achieved at the games:

6 gold, 3 silver and two bronze. The male athletes had 3 medals while the females garnered 8

Standing out was Usain Bolt who earned himself 3 gold medals all in world record time. Great performances by female athletes included: Veronica Campbell-Brown’s gold in the 200 meters, where she defended her title; Melaine Walker’s gold in the 400 meters hurdles in Olympic record time and Shelly-Ann Fraser’s gold in the 100 meters.

Jamaica must be proud at what the country has achieved during the past two weeks by taking it’s strong athletic foundation to the world, thus highlighting the nation globally.

Yardflex would like to congratulate all the athletes and their administrative body for this wonderful endeavour that as a country we are very honoured to be apart of.

The next Olympic Games will be staged in London, England in 2012.

Rumour has it that Miami Dolphins Coach Bill Parcell is interested in trying out the 6 foot 4 Olympic Champion Usain Bolt for the NFL.

It is reported that Parcell has always joked about trying out Bolt, but sources say that a scout for the Miami Dolphins is on his way to China to hold discussions with Usain's manager. So is it fact or rumour? Keep tuned.

.

By: Devon Anderson and Dwight Fraser

Jamaica won the 4 by 100 relay in world record time of 37.10 seconds today at the Beijing Olympics, sending a clear message that the land of wood and water is not to be underestimated.

The fast and furious team broke the world mark of 37.40 set in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics by the US team that was equalled by another US squad at the world championships in Stuttgart in 1993.

Nesta Carter was the first man with the baton that he passed to Michael Frater; then it was Frater to the indomitable Usain Bolt who went on to hand the baton to Asafa Powell who breezed on to the finish line in record breaking time.

Bringing home another gold medal for Jamaica, the relay team conquered all odds. Top sprinter Asafa Powell got the opportunity to finally land himself a gold medal for the first time on an international platform. The gold had been eluding Powell and this was his chance to redeem himself.

Fraser told reporters after the race that when he handed the baton to Bolt, he knew a world record was in the making. An ecstatic Bolt declared, “You can’t get any better than this…give thanks to the world.”

This golden run sent Jamaicans at home and abroad into another frenzy, which has become a common mode during these Olympic days. Half Way Tree Square in Jamaica has now been dubbed ‘Beijing’, with TVJ mounting an additional four monitors to make five; giving the public a chance to view the games. The square went into another uproar today, with joyous pandemonium breaking out all over after the new world record was set by the men’s relay team.

One onlooker said as she headed to Kingston from St. Mary, she had to ask the bus driver if, the bus will stop in Beijing/Half Way Tree; and upon arriving at the square the driver yelled out, “Welcome to Beijing!”

Another, who couldn’t join the crowd today said, “Mi sorry sey mi can’t mek it to Beijing/Half Way Tree, but mi happy fi de athletes dem in Beijing, China.”

Trinidad and Tobago came in second, with sprinters Keson Bledman, Marc Burns, Emmanuel Callander and Richard Thompson finishing in 38.06 seconds. The Japanese team was third in 38.15.

Earlier today Jamaica’s 4 by 100 women’s team did not finish their race as there was a baton change foul up between Sherone Simpson and Kerron Stewart. As a result the team – notable favorites - did not realize their goal of winning again for Jamaica. It was indeed a huge disappointment for everyone including Shelly-Ann Fraser and Veronica Campbell-Brown, the other relay team members. Russia took that race in 42.31 seconds.

Jamaica now ranks second on the medals table with 10 medals: 6 gold, 3 silver and 1 bronze. Russia ranks first and the US third.

Today the International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Jacques Rogge had stiff criticism for Jamaican record breaking sprinter Usain Bolt.

According to the Associated Press the former Olympic yachtsman who hails from Belgium told a small group of reporters that he did not consider Bolt’s "doing a show" following his historic win as being respectful of the other competitors in his race.

The elated and proud Bolt danced, did his victory run around the field draped in the Jamaican flag, beat his chest in glee and even declared that he was number one – using finger gestures in a television close-up; however Rogge felt that somehow Bolt was not entitled to express himself as his personality and possibly as his culture dictated.

Rogge told three international reporters that Bolt should have acknowledged the others who raced with him by even giving them a tap on the shoulder immediately after finishing first, rather than showing his joy and pride in the way he did, especially af

He continued to criticize Bolt saying, that his actions were not the actions of a good sportsman or true champion saying, "He (Bolt) might have interpreted that (his joy) in another way, but the way it was perceived was "catch me if you can." You don't do that. But he'll learn. He's still a young man."

Comparing bolt to the 1930s great athlete Jesse Owens, Rogge said further, "He should shake hands with his competitors and not ignore them. He'll learn that sooner or later. But (he's) a great athlete, of course."

Yardflex continually congratulates Bolt and all the athletes who are doing well; and would like to say, "Stay strong bolt and don’t watch nuh face!"

By: Devon Anderson and Dwight Fraser

Jamaica’s domination of the sprint events at this year’s Beijing Olympics was completed today as Veronica Campbell-Brown took an impressive gold in the women’s 200 meters.

She beat the United States’ Allison Felix into a silver medal position with fellow Jamaican Kerron Stewart claiming the bronze.

The defending champion produced a smooth performance across the finish line in a time of 21.74 seconds.

Jamaica has now won all four of the individual sprint events. Campbell-Brown’s victory will mean that the U.S. team will return home without a gold medal in the individual sprint events for the first time since they boycotted the 1980 Moscow Olympics.

Yardflex would like to congratulate Veronica Campbell-Brown on her victory.

By: Devon Anderson and Dwight Fraser

Jamaica’s sensational sprinter Usain Bolt crowned himself King of the Sprint world when he blazed to victory in the 200 meters today, at the 29th Olympiads in Beijing, China with a world record time of 19.30 seconds; becoming only the second runner in 20 years to claim the sprint double.

He broke American Michael Johnson’s 12 year record of 19.32 seconds that was set at the Olympics in Atlanta in 1996. The 21 year old Bolt who turns 22 tomorrow, August 21st followed his breathtaking win in the 100 meters last Saturday where he also broke his own world record - to produce another amazing run as he cruised for an easy victory.

Bolt’s parents and girlfriend were on the scene to congratulate and celebrate with the master sprinter who was so elated after the win that he proceeded to do his signature reggae dance moves: the "gully creep" and "nineties rock" – before hugging Olivia "Babsy" Grange, Jamaica’s Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports.

For his birthday celebration tomorrow, Bolt said, "I will just be chillin" He thanked Jamaica and all sports fans saying his mom was right when she said he wanted to win the 200 meter race even more than the 100 meter.

Meanwhile another Jamaican Melaine Walker ran a superb race in the 400 meters hurdles to capture gold in an Olympic record time of 52.67 seconds as she destroyed the field in a sterling performance.

Pandemonium broke out in Melaine’s community on Wellington Road off Maxfield avenue in Kingston as people took to the streets to show their support for her incredible performance; showing a great deal of love and unity. Her mom, Jennifer Wilson is a very proud woman today and her sister told reporters, "A me win de gold… cause a mi sister dat!"

Another woman exclaimed, "Mi just want fe say Father God first and Melaine second!"

This proves that sports culture and entertainment can unite people in a positive way.

Jamaica now has 7 medals 4 gold and 3 silver.

Yardflex would like to congratulate both athletes for their outstanding achievements.

By: Devon Anderson and Dwight Fraser

Jamaica added another medal to their tally as Shericka Williams performed amazingly, coming in second place this morning in the women’s 400 meter flat race. It was a bit of a surprise for avid track fans, since most sports analysts did not predict she would medal.

Williams copped the silver medal unexpectedly in a time of 49.69 seconds. The race was won by Christine Ohuruogu from Britain in 49.62 seconds and Sanya Richards came third, taking the bronze medal for the United States.

Richards, who was listed as the favorite to win the women’s 400 meter, finished in a time of 49.93 seconds. Although representing the United States in Beijing, she is a naturalized US citizen of Jamaican parentage.

In another final event today the 100 meters hurdles for women saw both Jamaican contestants, Delloreen Ennis-London and Brigitte Foster disappointingly failing to make the podium. Finishing fifth and sixth respectively, they ran the race in 12.65 and 12.66 seconds.

After many years of international competition, Foster announced today that she plans to hang up her track shoes and retire.

The Olympic finals began on August 15 and Jamaica is currently number 4 in the world in athletics with 5 medals – 2 gold and 3 silver medals. Russia, the United States and Kenya rank first second and third.

By: Devon Anderson and Dwight Fraser

On a day when Jamaica celebrated the 121st birthday anniversary of Marcus Mosiah Garvey, the country’s sprint queen Shelley-Ann Fraser as well as gold and silver medal winners Kerron Stewart and Sherone Simpson, celebrated their clean sweep of the women’s 100 meters at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in China.

Fraser stormed to a life time best 10.78 seconds to win Jamaica’s first ever Olympic gold in the women’s 100 meter finals; leading the sweep with Simpson and Stewart, as both clocked identical 10.98 seconds in a dead-heat for second.

This was a phenomenal accomplishment for all three athletes as they broke world history in the 100 meter race. No other country can boast having three winners represented on the podium for the 100 meter women’s Olympic final.

Although it was the first time ever that three female athletes from the same country took the top three places in an Olympic track final, American male sprinters have been first second and third on two previous occasions; in 1906 in Athens and during the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm. The most recent occasion of seeing three athletes from the same country on a medal podium was in the triple jump in 2004 when three Russian athletes took all the medals on offer.

Undoubtedly well prepared both physically and mentally, the Jamaican athletes have shown extraordinary strength in Beijing.

Some Jamaicans have linked the marvelous winning streak to the birthday celebration of a great Jamaican; as Garvey, who was well known for his insistence on discipline and the importance of self-belief once said, "Mental preparation is the key to success in any discipline."

All three female medal winners qualified to compete at the Olympics because of their placing in the Jamaica trials where Stewart came in first, Fraser second and Simpson third.

Veronica Campbell the former world 100 meter champion did not qualify for the Olympic 100 meter race because she came in fourth at the trials in Jamaica. Campbell will be running the 200 meter at these Olympics.

Later on in Beijing, all three 100 meter winners will run in the 4 by 100 meter relay with Campbell as the fourth person on that team.

In another event that took place this morning in Beijing, Danny McPharlane from Jamaica finished fourth in the 400 meter finals with the US taking first, second and third; also Jamaican. Keina Sinclair finished sixth in the 800 meter finals for women.

Photographs by: Jamaica Observer

Suriname sets up the showdown with Guyana for Group B final game to decide which of the two moves into the next round of the Digicel Caribbean Championship.

Saturday, August 9, 2008 – Providence Stadium, Guyana: Suriname defeated the 10-man Dominica 3-1 to set up a final match showdown with hosts Guyana to decide which of the two moves into the next round of the Digicel Caribbean Championship (DCC).

The group B encounter took place at the Providence Stadium, the second floodlight game at this venue. Dominica had a bright start against the Dutch team who would have good memories of this venue, having defeated Guyana in their return second round World Cup qualifying match.
Having lost their opening encounter in the group to Guyana on Friday night (0-3), Dominica came out with guns blazing against Suriname, a tactic that brought the desired results.

After a mere 7 minutes into the game, Prince Austrie finished off a promising run with a well aimed shot past the usually efficient Ronny Aloema. The goal brought renewed vigor to Dominica who continued to press forward.

Suriname, on the other hand, was just getting into a rhythm, which was not good news for Dominica who were not able to enjoy the lead for too long. In the 18th minute, and another of their frequent raids on Dominica 's defense, a Surinamese striker was brought down and a penalty was awarded.
Captain Marlon Felter stepped up for the shot and sent his opposite number and goal keeper Glenson Prince the wrong way.

The Dominicans who had still looked very purposeful, suffered a major setback when in the 20th minute, Imran Gage was given marching orders by Barbadian Referee Trevor Taylor for serious foul play against an opposing player. Losing a man at this point in the game was a major setback for Dominica as Suriname found much more space to control the flow of the game, which they did admirably. However, Dominica was still able to limit the scoring to 1-1 by the end of the first half.

It was difficult for Dominica to contain the offensive minded Surinamese for any lengthy period but they did try. Goal number 2 was netted in the 54th minute by Clifton Sanduvliet, with the sealer coming in the 84th minute compliments of a powerful left foot shot by Ferdinand Jap-a-Joe in the 81st minute.

Dominica had a few exciting moments of their own in the second half and missed a golden chance to tie the game at 2 from the penalty spot, but Paul Victor placed the ball way over the bar in the 73rd minute effectively ending their chance of coming back.

The third and final group game will be contested on Sunday afternoon. The winner of this game will book a place in the next round. For match pictures and further information visit www.digicelfootball.com

By: Devon Anderson and Dwight Fraser

The Jamaican contingent to the World Juniors Championship, held July 8 to 13 in Poland, was successful in achieving six medals, one gold four silver and one bronze. They placed ninth in the overall medal standings of the 181 countries that competed at the Championship.

The most notable of all the medal winners was the gold won by Dexter Lee in the Men's 100 meters in a creditable time of 10.40 seconds, finishing ahead of his country man Yohan Blake in 10.51. In all fairness to Blake who won the bronze two years ago, he was on the path of recovering from a hamstring injury.

In other events Nickel Ashmeade finished second in the 200 meters in 20.84 seconds, Keiron Stewart placed third in the 110 meters hurdles in 13.51, while the male quartet of Oshane Bailey, Dexter Lee, Nickel Ashmeade and Yohan Blake won the silver in the 4 by 100 meters relay in a time of 39.25 seconds.

From the female perspective Shermaine Williams finished second in the 100 meters hurdles in 13.48 seconds, while the team of Shawna Anderson, Kaycea Jones, Gayon Evans and Jura Levy secured the silver in the 4 by 100 meters relay in a time of 43.98.

YardFlex Sports would like to congratulate all the athletes and the administrative body who made Jamaica proud at the World Juniors Athletics Championships.

By: Dave Lindo

The big clash between world record holder, Usain Bolt and former world record holder, Asafa Powell at the recent Jamaica National Trials, not surprisingly, did not materialize. Both had played down the clash in pre-race interviews and said that they would do just enough to qualify for the Olympics team.

In the end Bolt won, looking very relaxed, even having time to glance twice at his friend Asafa, winning in a time of 9.85. While Powell just as relaxed came second in 9.97 sec.

So all focus now is on that Olympic Gold medal at the Beijing summer Olympics. Both athletes said that an Olympic Gold far outweighs having a world record as the record will easily go but the gold medal stays with you for ever.

The Bolt - Asafa debate about which of the two is 'faster' in the 100m is still circulating. I would stick my neck out in saying that presently, Bolt is in much better condition than Asafa and is capable of running faster.

However, as the outstanding track and field analyst Earl Bailey said on a Talk Show programme on RJR on Monday, June 30, 2008, "with 6 weeks to go before the Beijing Olympics anything can happen. An athlete can improve as well as drop form."

Even on the day itself, in just under 10 seconds, the 100m finals race will be completed and the winner of the Olympic Gold medal would have been decided.

Many factors will come into play in deciding who wins. Who will survive the 3 preliminary rounds using less energy. And in the finals, who executes the perfect race. The start, the 'transition stage' and the finish.

There is also the mental game; which athlete will crack under pressure, who is mentally tougher, Bolt or Asafa. Well, Asafa had shown at the last Olympics that he withered under the pressure. In the second time around though, he should be better prepared in that aspect.

Bolt, in that department loves the 'hype', loves competition and has proven to be mentally tough.

The 'Tyson Gay factor' is also a serious one to take into consideration. The Americans don't like to lose and Bolt whipping the man on his home soil, in breaking the world record, posting 9.72 at the Reebok Track Classic in New York on May 31, 2008 didn't go down well with Gay and the Americans in general.

Gay has bounced back with a wind assisted (4.1m per sec. wind) 9.68 seconds, the fastest time ever ran by a human being, which he did at the US Trials. He also ran 9.77 sec. in the semi finals of the trials.

Gay said that he and his coach, Jon Drummond, went back on the drawing board and made some improvements with his start, and his general sprinting technique.

One thing for sure, it argues well for Jamaica, in having the two fastest men in the world who are both trained by Jamaicans in Jamaica. This speaks volumes for Jamaica's track and field.

Photography By: Milton Raynor

Below are scenes from JAAA National Championship on Sunday June 29, 2008:

By: Devon Anderson and Dwight Fraser
Photography By: Milton Raynor

Jamaican forward, Luton Shelton, registered a first half hat-trick in eight minutes to propel the Reggae Boyz to a comfortable 6-0 victory over The Bahamas, in their return leg CONCACAF second round qualifying match, at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium on Wednesday. This feat was witnessed by a fair size crowd of spectators.

Added to the 7-0 drubbing in the first leg on Sunday, Jamaica advanced to the semi-final phase of the qualifying series with a 13-0 aggregate margin.

The Reggae Boyz now joins Honduras and awaits Mexico and Canada who holds 2-0 and 3-0 advantages over Belize and St Vincent and The Grenadines respectively.

The other goal scorers for Jamaica were Deon Burton in the 30th and 56th minute and Tyrone Marshall in the 40th.

This was the first international football match played at this venue which was built to host the Opening Ceremony for last year's ICC Cricket World Cup.

By: Devon Anderson and Dwight Fraser
Photography By: Milton Raynor

Jamaica's Reggae Boyz made an explosive start to their 2010 South Africa World Cup Finals campaign when they comprehensively beat an inferior Bahamas outfit 7-0 at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica on Sunday.

Playing before an almost capacity crowd the Boyz made a giant step towards advancing to the semi-final stage of the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying series.

Captain Ricardo Gardner started the on-slaught when he scored in the 17th minute. This was followed by goals from Demar Phillips, Marlon King, Andy Williams, Omar Daley and a double strike from Luton Shelton.

Technical Director Rene Simoes credited the team for the pace at which they played following an embarrassing 2-1 loss to Grenada in a friendly last week, but pointed out that there was still room for improvement.

Meanwhile Jamaica's captain Ricardo Gardner who plied his skills with English Premier League Club, Bolton Wanderers, noted that the team realized the need to make amends after their defeat from Grenada and lauded the efforts of his team-mates after a thumping victory to kick start their 2010 World Cup campaign.

The Reggae Boyz will now turn their attention to the Parish of Trelawny where they will play the return leg qualifying game on Wednesday against the same opponent Bahamas at the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium starting at 4:00pm.

By: Dwight Fraser and Devon Anderson



Jamaica's senior Reggae Boyz turned in a spirited but somewhat patchy performance to defeat the St. Vincent and the Grenadines 5-1 in their friendly international at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica on Tuesday night.

Marlon King, (in the 26th and 42nd minutes), led the way for the Rene Simoes coached squad as the hard running Demar Phillips, of Stoke City in England, got his name on the score sheet as well, with a beautiful finish earlier in the 17th minute of play to open the scoring and send the spectators in a frenzy.

Later on in the second half St. Vincent began attacking more aggressively but the Reggae Boyz played well to shut them down, by using the one-two passing and utilizing the flanks to get the better of their Caribbean neighbours.

The man who led Jamaica's campaign in qualifying for the 1998 World Cup in France, Deon Burton, found the back of the net in minute 74 and Captain Ricardo Gardner finished the job with another goal 13 minutes from time. Marlon James had the consollation goal for the Grenadines in the 56th minute.

Playing in front of about 10,000 spectators all clad in their gold and green, ace striker Marlon King got Jamaica on the score sheet in the 26th minute as the half ended 3-nil.

Jamaica's next assignment is against Trinidad and Tobago at the Marvin Lee Stadium on Saturday, in a return friendly.

Usain Bolt lightning run in the men's 100m ahead of the field at last night's Reebok Grand Prix in a new world record time of 9.72 seconds.

LIGHTNING TO THE WORLD

BY: Devon Anderson & Dwight Fraser


Twenty-one-year-old sensation Usain 'lightning' Bolt is the new world record holder in the men's 100 metres after smashing his country man Asafa Powell's 10 month old mark of 9.74 to register 9.72 the fastest by any human over the distance to date.

Running at the Reebok Grand Prix at the Icahan Stadium in Randall's Island New York, Bolt defeated world championship triple gold medalist Tyson Gay (9.85) with a scintillating run to come out victorious.

The former William Knibb runner who goes by the pet name 'Lightning' was running his fifth 100 metres as a senior, and continued his assault on track and field most prestigious event after running 9.76 and 9.92 seconds earlier this month in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago respectively.

Usain was not the only Jamaican winner at the meet as world olympic 100 metres champion Veronica Campbell-Brown won the 100 metres in a meet and world leading time of 10.91 seconds bettering her own 10.93 mark set at last year's meet.

YardFlex would like to congratulate both athletes on their great accomplishment, and hope they can hold their form as they approach the 28th Olympic Games in Beijing, China slated between August 8-24 this year.

By: Devon Anderson and Dwight Fraser

West Indies cricketers went down to their Australia counterparts by 95 runs at Sabina Park, in Kingston, Jamaica, in the first of three test matches to be played in the Caribbean over the next two months.

The Australian captain, Ricky Ponting, who won the toss and elected to bat on a solid wicket rattled up a first innings score of 431. The captain scored a magnificent 158 in his team total.

Bowling for the Windies, Fidel Edwards had figures 5-104 off 26 overs.

The hosts in their turn at the crease mustered 312, with the dependable middle order batsman, Shivnerine Chanderpaul, scoring 118 for his 18th test century, he was ably assisted by Runorko Morton with 67. Fast bowler Bret Lee was the pick of the tourist bagging 3 for 63.

With a lead of 119 the Aussies were skittled out for 167 in their second innings, as Andrew Symonds top-scored with 79. Dwayne Bravo topped the bowling figures for the Windies taking 4 wickets for 47.

West Indies, needing 287 to win in a day's play, could only manage to score 191, falling short by 95 runs.

Man of the match, Stuart Clark, did the damage by taking 5 for 20, to add to his first innings 3 for 59 for a match haul of 8 for 79.

Both teams now move on to Antigua where the second test is scheduled to start on Friday, 30th of May. Chris Gayle and Jerome Taylor, who did not play in the first test because of injury, has been placed in the squad for the second match. Ramnaresh Sarwan had the honour of captaining the Windies in Gayle's absence.

By: Devon Anderson and Dwight Fraser

Portmore United won the National Premier League played by top football club's in Jamaica. Twelve teams vied for pole position, with Portmore United coming out on top. After playing 38 games, of which they won 21, drew 12 and lost 5, amassed a total of 75 points to walk away with the trophy.

Tivoli Gardens came second with 66 points, Boy's Town third with 58 points, last season champions, Harbour View fourth with 51 points and Waterhouse fifth with 47 points.

Coached by former Reggae Boyz defender Linval Dixon, the champions had a strong nucleus of National players with experience and youth.

Seba United and August Town were both demoted to their respective confed Super Leagues, while two teams will come up based on a playoff format.

Meanwhile, the Wayne Fairclough coached Waterhouse captured the nation's top knock-out competition the City of Kingston (COK) cup when they tagged Tivoli Gardens by 2-goals-to-nil on Tuesday at the Harbour View Mini Stadium.

The Drewsland based club recieved Jamaican $300,000 while Tivoli took home $200,000 for their efforts.

By: Dwight Fraser/Devon Anderson

Almost one year to the date when he broke the National 200 metres record Usain "Lightning" Bolt struck up an awe inspiring performance at Kingston's National Stadium, at the Jamaica International Invitational Games on Saturday, May 3.

A plethora of stars including the World Championship and Olympic medal winners from the United States, Tyson Gay, Wallace Spearmon and Sanya Richards led the way for the "Stars and Stripes" against Usain Bolt, Danny Mcfarlane, Veronica Campbell-Brown, and Deloreen Ennis-London, wearing the black green and gold representing the, "likkle but we tallawah", Jamaica in the three hour clash.

The fact that all the big name MVP runners; Micheal Frater, Bridgette Foster-Hylton, Sherone Simpson and the world's fastest man, Asafa Powell, stayed away, the I.A.A.F area permit meet was a quality one nonetheless.

The spectators came, saw and left relieved, if only for the fact that the former Willliam Knibb High school runner, Usain Bolt, shattered the field in the men's 100 metres, setting a world leading and mind boggling 9.76 seconds coming 200th of a second within the world record held by his campatriot Asafa Powell's 9.74 seconds set in Reti, Italy last year.

The 21 year old Bolt who had a less than explosive start powered past the field which included the Americans; Wallace Spearman, Darvis Patton and Kim Collins and with 35 metres to go shut down the acceleration just before crossing the line in the second fastest time of all time over the distance.

Bolt who ran with a legal trail wind of 1.8 metres per second, got home ahead of Darvis Patton 10.08, and the Antiguan Daniel Bailey 10.12 seconds, as Spearman and Collins had to settle for positions five and six down the track.

Bolt later did a victory lap and got vociferous congratulations for the spectators who witnessed the feat.

Later, while speaking to YardFlex, Bolt said, 'I came into the event expecting a sub 10 seconds clocking, but I am still surprised at the world mark, as both my coach and I were looking at around 9.80 seconds' .

The former Junior record holder whose two previous best times over the distance stood at 10.03 seconds, explained that he is still not sure that he will be running the 100 metres at the National Trials in Jamaica ahead of the Beijing Olympic Games.

Bolt added that 'my coach and I will meet soon and we will discuss the possibility of incorporating more 100 metres events in the International Itinerary, but right now it's a case of wait and see'. Asafa Powell could not be reached for a comment on Bolt's world class run.

Bolt's next 100 metres run will be at the Hampton Games, in Trinidad, on May 17, before he meets the World Championship triple gold medalist. Tyson Gay, over the distance at the Reebok Games, in New York, on May 31.

By: Dave Lindo
Photography By: Milton Raynor

The JFF and Sherwin Williams on Thursday, May 8th, 2008, staged the 2006-2007 Sherwin Williams sponsored Women's Football Competitions Awards Ceremony at the Jamaica Football Federation's Office in Kingston, Jamaica.

Persons in attendance included National Technical Director, Rene Simoes, JFF President, Captain Horace Burrell, 3rd Vice President, Mr. Raymond Anderson, Chairman of the Competition Committee, Mr. Michael Ricketts, Managing Director of Sherwin Williams, Mr. Ian Forbes and Mrs. Elaine Walker Brown, longstanding Chairman for the Women's Committee of the JFF.

The big winners of the evening were Harbour View, who won the Sherwin Williams Colourscape Knockout Competition, Reno FC, winners of the A League, and Waterhouse, FC winners of the Sherwin Williams National Women's Premier League.

Captain Burrell in giving the welcome and opening remarks said that as long as he is at the helm of the JFF, he along with the JFF board will be giving the National Women's Football programmes their full support. He encouraged to strive for the highest standards that others can emulate.

Brazilian coach, Luciano Gama, was named as the new head coach of the National Women's Football teams. The upcoming assignments for the women's football includes the Under 20 team participating in an CONCACAF Tournament in Mexico in June. July the Under 17 will be journeying to Mexico and the Under 15 team will be going to Trinidad in August.

Coach Vin Blaine, former National Senior Women's coach and coach of Harbour view Women's team, was named as the new manager of the National Senior Reggae Boyz team. Long serving football administrator, Howard 'Juicy' Bell was promoted to General Manager of all national football teams.

In the Knock Out competition, winners Harbour View received the Fair Play award and their player Nico Bell got the MVP award. Vin Blaine received the Coach Of The Year award and Kerise Heywood also from the 'stars of the east' Harbour View was named as the Top Goal Keeper.

The A league saw first time entrants Reno having a dream run in the competition. They finished the season unbeaten winning 10 games drawing 2 and were promoted to the Premier League for next year.

Their coach, Junior Francis, received the Coach Of The Year Award. The Top Goal Scorer was Taneika Gordon of Reno with 12 goals and Best Goal Keeper was won by Tameka Barrett also of Reno. Kerry Ann Smallwood of St. Catherine Upliftment walked away with the MVP Award. Arnett Gardens for their effort got the Fair Play Awards.

The Premier League had Portmore Striker's Venicia Reid, as the Top Goal Scorer with 14 goals. Harbour View's Ferris Haywood won the Top Gold Keeper award and Alicia 'One Lef' James of Barbican FC received the MVP award. The Fair Play award was won by Harbour View.

American sprint star Tyson Gay, the reigning 100-meter World Champion, and Jamaica's Usain 'Lightning' Bolt, who last weekend stunned the sports world when he ran a lighting fast 9.76 seconds, the second-fastest 100-meter dash in history, will meet at 100 meters at the Reebok Grand Prix on May 31, organizers announced.

Bolt, the 21-year-old Jamaican who took the 200-meter and 4x100-meter World Championship silver medals behind Gay in Osaka, is the 2002 World Junior Champion at 200 meters and holds the World Junior Record of 19.93 seconds for the distance.

At the Jamaica International Invitational on May 3, Bolt blazed to a 100-meter victory in 9.76 seconds, the second-fastest time in history behind only countryman Asafa Powell's 9.74, which Powell set late last summer.

Gay, who in 2007 became only the second man in history to win World Championship gold medals at 100 meters, 200 meters and the 4x100-meter relay, last year scorched the Icahn Stadium track here when he won in 9.76 seconds, which would have broken the World Record at the time had it not been for a tailwind (2.2) barely over the legal limit. After his triumph in Osaka, the 25-year-old Gay was named the IAAF Male Athlete of the Year, USOC Sportsman of the Year, Track & Field News Magazine Man of the Year and winner of the Jesse Owens Award.

The Reebok Grand Prix will begin at 5 p.m. on May 31, at Icahn Stadium on Randall's Island. On the heels of a sell-out last year, 1,500 bleacher seats have been added on the backstretch to accommodate the expected demand in this Olympic year.

Icahn Stadium, New York will be 15,000 seats larger come May 31st as organizers expect mega crowds for the Reebok Grand Prix during this Olympic Year.

Another big reason that they will be heading out to the Randall's Island site will be to take in the headliners, who are all mega track stars in their own right.

World Champion sprinter, Veronica Campbell-Brown is one of a short list of top ranking Olympians who will headline at the event. Liu Xiang, a major Chinese track star and Lauryn Williams, who was the highlight of 2007's World Championships 100 meters, join Campbell-Brown as headliners.

All three are headed to Beijing and between them they have achieved 11 medals – six of them gold - at the 2004 Olympics and 2007 World Championships.

Recently married to Omar Brown who is also a Jamaican sprinter, Campbell-Brown has been ranked as most likely the most powerful female in the world of sprinting for 2008. She will return to New York as not only an Olympic 200 meters Gold Medalist, but also as a 100-meter World Champion, following her gold win in Osaka last year.

The Reebok Grand Prix begins at 5:00pm. Go to: www.ReebokGrandPrix.com for more information.

By: Devon Anderson and Dwight Fraser

West Indies vice captain Ramnaresh Sarwan stroked a fluent 102 and his Guyanse couterpart Shivnarine Chanderpaul added 86 to pilot the West Indies to a series-levelling six wicket victory over Sri-Lanka in the second and final test from the Queens Park Oval in Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday.

Sri-Lanka had won the first test played in Providence, Guyana by 121 runs. Both players added a record fourth wicket partnership of 157 as they came together with the score on 73 for 3. The target set for the West Indies to win with two day's remaining was 253. However captain Chris Gayle and his opening partner Sewnarine Chattergoon fell in successive overs with the score on 24 for 2.

Marlon Samuels then joined Sarwan and they added 49 before Samuels, on 11, drove a slower delivery from Vass into the hands of cover fielder Malinda Warnapura. The rest was history as both Sarwan and Chanderpaul took over from there and guided the Calyso-Reggae team to victory.

Chaminda Vaas 2 for 52, Thilan Thushara 1 for 49 and Muttiah Muralitharan 1 for 93 were the successful wicket takers for Sri-Lanka. Most of the cricket loving fans in the region were very happy that the regional team had won the game with a day to spare. Captain Chris Gayle and his team-mates will now turn their attention to the three one-dayer's and one 20/20 that starts on Thursday in Port Of Spain, Trinidad.

By: Devon Anderson and Dwight Fraser
Photography By: Milton Raynor

Jamaica on Wednesday squandered a glorious opportunity to chalk up another victory against arch-rivals Trinidad and Tobago when they surrendered a two goal lead to end the game 2-2 in front of a fairly disappointed crowd at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica.

The Reggae Boyz looked vastly superior to a largely ineffective though young and inexperienced T n T aggregation. The Boyz with a couple of senior professionals from England, including Luton Shelton, Demar Phillips, Oneil 'Bigga' Thompson, Omar Daley and the recalled Deon Burton waltzed to a comfortable two goal half time advantage thanks to strikes from captain and Wigan FC player Marlon King in the 34th minute and Tyrone 'Granny' Marshall - who plays for Toronto football club in the U.S Major League Soccer - in minute 41.

In the second half Jamaica's technical director Rene Simoes introduced the local players and the Jamaicans suddenly slumped from being the superior team to a team struggling to defend their lead, in front of a Stadium of approximately 22,000 spectators.

The Soca Warriors with renewed vitality in the second half, eventually pulled one back from substitute Osei Telesford and then sealed the equalizer through captain Aurtis Whitely with only two minutes added on in extra time.

Coach Simoes took the blame for the tie saying he was giving some of the local based players a chance to get some exposure and experience.

The Reggae Boyz will look to avenge this tie when they have a date with the T n T players on Soca soil in June.

This is the second drawn match for The newly appointed Technical Director Simoes after the Boyz were held to a one all draw against Costa Rica.

These friendly internationals are in preparation for Jamaica's 2010 World Cup Qualification bid starting this summer.

By: Devon Anderson and Dwight Fraser

The ISSA/Grace Kennedy Boy's and Girl's Athletics Championships for 2008 came to an end on Saturday night at the National Stadium in Kingston in spectacular fashion with Calabar High School Boys and Holmwood Technical Girls repeating as champions.

Andrew Riley of Calabar High and Salcia Slack of Holmwood Technical were winners of their respective heptathlon titles, and were fittingly named as the overall points champions at the end of the four day meet.

Meanwhile Munro College's Adam Cummings and Vere Technical's Jura Levy were adjudged the most outstanding male and female performers respectively.

Cummings broke the Class Three 100 metres record with an astonishing 10.91 seconds breaking Jamaica College's Winston Barnes 10.99 seconds set in 2003.

Levy produced a late burst to win the girl's Class Two 100 metres in a new meet record of 11.46 seconds, beating World Junior bronze medal winner Carrie Russell of St.Thomas Technical.

Other outstanding performances came from Class One athlete Yohan Blake (St. Jago) who won the 100 metres in 10.27 while his teammate Nickel Ashmeade won the 200 metres in 21.04, going down on the line in a close call with Ramone 'Goatie' McKenzie of Calabar who posted 21.05. Mckenzie later returned to win the 400 metres in 46.62.

In the girl's section; the Class One Holmwood Technical's Bobby-Gaye Wilkins won both the 400 metres (52.46) and the 800 metres(2.10.89), while Shawna Anderson of Edwin Allen won both the 100 metres(11.58) and the 200 metres(24.61).

The final point standings for the top five schools from the boy's section were Calabar (277); K.C.(233); St.Jago (155); J.C. (153) and Wolmers (128); while in the girl's section Holmwood (352); Vere (210); Edwin Allen (206); Manchester (147) and St. Jago (125).

The winning coaches were Michael Clarke of Calabar High School (boys) and Maurice Wilson of Holmwood Technical (girls).

The meet chairman Mr. Clement Radcliff of The Inter-Secondary School Association (ISSA) made mention that this was one of the best championships from an administrative and security point of view and hope that next year which will be the one hundredth anniversary things will even be better in every aspect.

YardFlex would love to take this opportunity to congratulate the main sponsor Grace Kennedy the Administrative personnel and the winning schools (Calabar and Holmwood Technical) for putting on this wonderful event that is one of the biggest and best showcases of youth athletics throughout the world.

The world will now get the chance to see some of these athletes at the 114th staging of the Penn Relays in Pennsylvania between March 24-26.

Photograph Source: www.calabarlions.com

By: Dwight Fraser & Devon Anderson

Trinidad and Tobago defeated Jamaica in the luxurious Stanford 20/20 Cricket Tournament in Antigua, by 9 wickets to walk away with a whopping 1 Million US Dollars.

Oh gosh the sweet smell of success, and the taste of 1 million of Uncle Sam's dollars pushed the Trinidadian's all the way, as they knocked down the Jamaicans, captained by Chris Gayle for one of their lowest ever one day total of 91, not off 20 overs, but in 16.4 overs.

With the Jamaicans falling like a deck of cards the openers Xavier Marshall and Sean Finlay fell cheaply, as Marlon Samuels saved the blushes of the Jamaican innings making 26. Spin bowler Dave Mohhamed of Trinidad was the trump card in picking up 4 for 20.

In reply the Twin Island Republic Captained by Darren Ganga raced to victory in 9 overs with opener William Perkins top scoring with an unbeaten 50, supported by Lendl Simmonds who made 26, both putting on a 80 run partnership.

The Jamaicans who were eliminated at the quarter final stage in last year's competition, was able to salvage second place this time around, thereby taking the runners up prize of $500,000 US Dollars.

Head Coach for the Digicel Kick Start Football Clinics, John Barnes, was proud to commend the Jamaican National U-20 team yesterday, on their 1-0 win in a rigorous match against Seba United in Kingston, Jamaica. Marking the end of the eight country Digicel Clinics, the Nationals fought hard and were victorious against a strong team. In congratulating the U-20s, who he had been guiding for two full days before, Barnes said, "It was not an easy win, but a well deserved win. It is not always easy for a team that does not usually play together to win against a team like Seba United who play together all the time. You worked together well today in the true spirit of teamwork."

Throughout the tour Barnes has been keenly observing the enormous talent in Caribbean football and now must execute his mandate to choose six footballers from the region to take part in one week's training at Sunderland AFC's Academy of Light in the UK. While this has been one main focus, Barnes' first-rate coaching skills, that facilitated development in an outstanding number of winners on every leg of the tour; have also been lauded in each island visited.

Head Coach for the National Junior team and Assistant Coach of the Jamaica Digicel Clinics, Theodore 'Tappa' Whitmore commented on the two day training sessions - saying, “What John Barnes has implemented here is exactly what these players needed. They needed to be reminded of the basics and John has brought it back to basics. We have a lot of talented players here and these Clinics have helped them to adopt the right attitude, the will, the discipline and the focus needed to be professional."

Digicel's decision to highlight and develop football brilliance in the Caribbean has also been highly spoken of during the tour. Jamaica Football Federation President, Horace Burrell told press recently that it was in 2005 that Digicel launched its initiative to sponsor and develop Caribbean football. He praised the Clinics noting they are, "A true reflection of that Digicel has been doing with Caribbean football."

Both Seba United and National U-20 players were given wise words of advise from Barnes after the match yesterday. He said, "While only six boys from the region will be picked to go to Sunderland, this should not dishearten those who are not chosen. The opportunity is there and you never know who may be watching, so stay diligent, keep focused and work hard to be the best footballers you can be."

The Jamaican born Barnes will announce the six talented footballers who will travel to the UK for training at the end of February in Kingston, Jamaica.

In Port Of Spain, Trinidad, the Trinidad National U-20 team finished the final day of the Digicel Kick Start Football Clinic, defeating the popular Joe Public FC 2-1 at the Marvin Lee Stadium.

"Trinidad is a football powerhouse," Jack Warner, President of the Caribbean Football Union said, and the U-20s along with their strong opponents, demonstrated this strength throughout the match. By half time the score was one all and the Nationals pounced on the chance to take the lead only one minute into the second half when they scored the winning goal.

Digicel Clinics' Head Coach, John Barnes thanked the young Trinidadian players after the match saying, "I'd like to thank you all for your hard work, discipline, diligence and enthusiasm over that past three days. I hope that you continue on this path of professionalism. Today you have proved that players such as Dwight York are not a rarity in Trinidad."

Warner had praises for Digicel in its progressive approach to the enrichment of Caribbean football, commenting that, "I feel it went very well. This experience will benefit Trinidad football in the present and in the future. Again I thank Digicel for their continued support in developing Caribbean football."

Incorporated in Bermuda, Digicel operates in twenty three markets, including Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, Curaçao, The Cayman Islands, Dominica, El Salvador, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos and El Salvador. Digicel also has a license in Guatemala and coverage in St. Martin and St. Barths.

As a lead sponsor of Caribbean sports, Digicel supports many teams including the West Indies Cricket Team, Special Olympics teams across the Caribbean and is title sponsor of the Digicel Caribbean Football Union Cup, involving over 30 Caribbean countries and is an important qualifier towards the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

The eighth and final leg of the Digicel Kick Start Football Clinics wind up in Jamaica today, Saturday, February 16.

For more information, visit http://digicelfootball.com

With two countries to go the Digicel Kick Start Football Clinic wound up its sixth leg in Paramaribo, Suriname, on February 3rd with a high tempo match infused with disciplined performances. At the Franklyn Essed Stadium, the National U-20 and opposing team, Robin Hood played the match taken by U-20 2- 1. with great spirit.

Described as showing commendable promise for the future development of
football in Suriname, U-20 players who attended the three day Clinic as well as their opponents, Robin Hood were highly commended by Digicel Clinics' Head Coach, John Barnes. "All the players exhibited the discipline and togetherness that I have been speaking about. There are about three or four players from Suriname that will be up for consideration to go to Sunderland and one of the players I'm considering is from Robin Hood," Barnes said.

During the intense two day training clinics held prior to the game, Barnes noted Suriname's National U-20consistently exhibited discipline and professionalism; demonstrating Suriname's potential for international success.

Robin Hood did put up an aggressive fight, but gave the match to the U-20 team in the second half. The score was 1 – 1 and Robin Hood's goalie fouled the National U-20 attacker, giving way to the winning penalty kick.

After the match, Barnes said, "I like what I saw today. The match was played in good spirit.

Kenneth Jalins, Head Coach for Suriname's National U-20 team, praised Barnes and the Digicel Clinics. "The organisation of the Digicel Kick
Start Clinics is very good. The structure of the sessions ensures that the players get everything they can out of it. Barnes is very clear and precise and makes it easy for the players to understand what he wants from them. He is very motivational and he has shown them how to further develop skills they already have. Barnes has a good spirit on the pitch, is motivational and has a passion for developing young footballers," he stated.

Barnes will announce the selected six players chosen to train at Sunderland AFC's Academy of Light for one week in March 2008, at the end of the eight country tour. The announcement will take place in Kingston, Jamaica on Saturday, February 23, 2008.

The CFU sponsored Clinic moves on now to Trinidad and Tobago.

By: Dwight Fraser and Devon Anderson

In what was a glitsy affair at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, at the RJR Sports Man and Woman ceremony the world's fastest man Asafa Powell and the speed ball from Trelawny Veronica Campbell-Brown took the respective lions share of the accolades.

Powell walked away with his third such honour as 'Sports Man Of The Year,' dating back to 2005. A fitting bill after he was named the Central American and Caribbean top athlete for 2007 back in December.

Powell who won a bronze at the World Championship in the 100 metres along with a silver in the 4x100 metres relay, edged out fellow Sprinter Usain Bolt, World Championship Decathlon Silver medalist Maurice Smith and West Indies Pace Bowler Darren, Powell in the male category.

Smith was named the overall runner up in the male section.

Veronica Campbell-Brown in the meantime received her second such honour after winning in 2004.

The former Vere Technical athlete Campbell-Brown won gold at the Osaka Championship last summer winning the 100 metres, taking silver in the 200 metres and in the sprint relays. That 100 metres World Championship Gold in 11.01 seconds completed the total package at the international level, with previous gold at the Olympics in 2004 and the IAAF Junior and Youth Championships in 1998 and 1999.

Campbell-Brown got the nod ahead of Olympian and National Champion Deloreen Ennis-London.

Chris Dehring took home the Chairman's Award for his nine year planning and exceptional efforts in helping the Caribbean to stage last year's International Cricket Council/World Cup Cricket Tournament.

By: Janice Dayle

"I like to think age 30 is the new 20" the vegetarian soccer great, Dwayne De Rosario said of the benefits healthy eating brings. While being the 'poster image' for thriving while staying away from junk food – De Rosario shines even brighter as Houston Dynamo's 'attacking mid-fielder' and in all his football endeavours.

Named Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the finals this season and in 2001, as well as co-MVP on two other occasions, De Rosario forged a steady progressive path to success. The Ontario, Canada born; US Major League Soccer (MLS) star made his way from being spotted by a 'talent scout' at age 12 to becoming one of the top goal scoring players in the 11year old American soccer league.

Recounting the almost fairytale-like sequence of events that saw 12 year old Dwayne and his Guyanese born parents flown to England on a training/grooming scholarship; De Rosario said, "It opened my eyes to the football world...and when I played the Canary Cup, it opened my eyes [forcing me] to say this is something I really want and I knew at such a young age I could help my family."

From there the budding top player had numerous trials in Europe and at age 15 joined a huge club, AC Milan, playing with some of his favourite, and the world's greatest players. Then came the tough decision of accepting an offer to be signed or return to Canada; and back to Toronto De Rosario decided to go, where he ended up signing his first professional contract with the Toronto Lynx. After just half a year with them, De Rosario was off to Germany.

In East Germany in 1997 De Rosario was frequently made to feel ostracized from the tensions of the times. "The walls had recently come down...basically I was one man against the world; at times the players were against me...sometimes the whole stadium would start making monkey noises and things like that...people did not take too well to me in terms of colour and tradition...it was interesting to be amongst that," he explained, saying the experience encouraged him and many African players to unite, become stronger and form a brotherhood.

Then the easy choice of North America over Europe became appealing and De Rosario made the switch. Having received many honours that include the record MLS Goal of the Year for 2 consecutive years, he was no doubt an immense help in leading his team to MLS Cup Championships.

With his surge of goal scoring and assists, De Rosario moved from the Richmond Kickers to the San Jose Earthquakes. He has now settled in Houston. "Now my focus is on Houston...we are on our second back to back win and hope to make it three times in a row," De Rosario told YardFlex, speaking from Florida where he is now in training camp.

Currently a member of the Canadian National Soccer Team, De Rosario has his eyes on South Africa and a World Cup Win in 2010. He said, "Our qualifier is this year and my goal is to help the team to make it to the next round on CONCACAF and then - make it...to fulfill my personal dreams and those of Canadian fans."

Now a 'mid six figure' earner, De Rosario says he hopes the still youthful American soccer league will become more structured in seeing more money come their way...this could give players the chance to be paid for their accomplishments. Top salaries today can be as large as David Beckham's reported US$139,000,000 and the low can see a rooky earning US$17,000 to US$30,000 he said.

For De Rosario there is one downside and that is missing his family. Being away from his wife, who is an American professional African dancer and 3 children aged 10, 6 and 3 can be difficult.

Nothing is as difficult to him though as the plight of many unable to access medical treatment and maintain proper health in the world. Recently returned from a United Nations sponsored Mali, Africa health campaign, De Rosario is dedicated to working more on easing that pain. For final words he wants YardFlex readers to just go to nothingbutnets.net and check out the grassroots campaign to save lives.

Barbados National U-19 team exemplified the advantages of Digicel's Kick Start Football Clinic and fought hard yesterday, to gain a 2-1 win on the third and final day of the clinic in Bridgetown. The gruelling match against The Carlton Pro Shottas at Weymouth Police Sports Club was especially significant for John Barnes, Head Coach of the Digicel Clinics who said, "The National's inability to take advantage of shots in today's match showed poor decision making skills. This is why these Clinics are important."

Having the upper hand for a greater part of the game did not help the
National team with goal scoring. Their ability during the game, to make decisions that promoted positive outcomes, was badly flawed. The first half saw the Carlton Pro Shottas coming out being the only goal scorers after a tough 20 minutes. Despite that difficulty in translating their intense play into goals, the Nationals became more focused in the second half and aggressively scored two goals within five minutes.

Manager of Barbados National U-19 team, Julie Grant said the three-day Digicel Clinics has had a positive impact on the team; "The boys have learnt valuable lessons that they will use from now on. I think the match proved to them exactly what John Barnes has been explaining to them about the importance of making every decision count. I hope that their win today proves to Mr. Barnes that they are good enough to be a part of the lucky six who go to Sunderland."

For Barnes, it is not all about Sunderland, but he finds success in knowing young aspiring Caribbean footballers realize the importance of decisions made on the pitch and the affect they have on the outcome of each game.

At Sunderland AFC's Academy of Light, the selected six players can expect a daily scholarship programme and to train with Sunderland players. Ged MacNamee, Director of the Academy said that the programme is to include a physical and coordination programme plus a very technical football coaching programme.

Digicel, the lead sponsor of Caribbean sports teams, including the West Indies Cricket Team and Special Olympics teams, is also title sponsor of the Digicel Caribbean Football Union Cup, which involves over 30 Caribbean countries and is an important qualifier towards the CONCACAF Gold Cup. From Barbados the Clinics move on to St. Kitts for the fourth leg.

By: Dwight Fraser and Devon Anderson

Despite a brilliant century from Jamaican batsman Marlon Samuels the West Indies were hammered with an innings and 100 runs by South Africa, that wrapped up the series 2-1 in Durban.

The Windies on the springboard of a tied series and the psychological advantage of winning the first game, was ready to take their first test victory against South Africa, but that was not to be.

Batting first the Windies was in trouble quite early, and crumbled to a schoolboy total of 139 all out in their first innings where Denesh Ramdin was the top scorer with a paltry 30 runs, and the consistent man Shivnarine Chanderpaul making nought. South Africa in reply piled up their biggest total in the series, on a pitch that now favoured the batsmen.

Three South Africans made century, in the onslaught on the Caribbean men, Captain Graham Smith steered the SS South Africa out to safe waters with a majestic 147 off 165 balls, supported by crew members ....the unbeaten duo of Ashwell Prince (123) and Ab Devillers (103) as the Windies bowlers, Jerome Taylor, Darren Powell and Fidel Edwards all struggled in the field.

Already thrown overboard and faced with the task of making over 400 to
make South Africa bat again, the Windies fought gallantly and splashed up 317 with Samuels the centurian and Dwayne Bravo chipping in with a stout 75.

The series will now move into the one day games with the first set to bowl off on Sunday January 20 at Centurion Park, where captain Chris Gayle is expected to make his return.

In Guyana to train not only players but also the coaches, international footballer, John Barnes left an indelible imprint on the overall fabric of football there by the end of leg one of the eight-country Digicel Kick Start Football Clinic.

With well received coaching sessions as well as two days of intense indoor training with the Guyana National U-20 Team behind him, Barnes - head coach for the Digicel Clinic, watched on January 9th as The National U-20 showed their might; coming out victorious after a well contested end of clinic game.

Matched up against the Guyana Digicel customers' favourite, Fruita Conquerors at Guyana's National Park Rugby Field, The National U-20 demonstrated strength and skill in taking the game 3 – 1.

The pitch was soaked and there were many strong tackles; under the
conditions, Head Digicel clinic coach Barnes said, "All did much better than [he] expected."

With one National goal behind them, the champion team went into the second and more exciting half showing strong attack but poor finishing with as many as 10 attempts made at scoring in the 45 bubbling minutes. The National's seemingly perfect shots never followed through. It was in the final 12 minutes of the game that the National team scored the third goal.

Mike Berry, Football talent scout and John Barnes' agent commented on the performances: "It was a very competitive game with the National side showing a bit more experience. The Conquerors put in a great effort and they come out of this with a lot of credit. It was a great game and I really enjoyed the second half."

The CFU sponsored Digicel Kick Start Clinic tour will end with an announcement from Barnes of six individuals who will be chosen to train at Sunderland AFC’s Academy of Light for one week in March 2008.

"The ones who did well in training proved themselves today. I have chosen about two or three for consideration," Barnes stated.

From Guyana, the Digicel Clinics move on to Haiti.

By: Dwight Fraser and Devon Anderson

The West Indies were brought back to earth after a historic and record breaking first test win over South Africa, in the just concluded second test in Cape Town.

Led by a breath-taking century 104, the classy Guyanese batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul was in immaculate form, registering his 17th career test century and with superb bowling by the trio of Fidel Edwards, Jerome Taylor and Darren Powell, the Caribbean side rushed past South Africa by 128 runs, to win the first test in Port Elizabeth.

This was the 'Windies' first win against South Africa in nine attempts, and out of that victory came many other firsts, as it was the first win for Captain Chris Gayle, the first for newly appointed Australian Coach John Dyson and it was also the first win for the Windies over a big name cricket country, since the win over England in Egbaston in 2000.

A win in the second Test on January 5, would have certainly given the Caribbean Side the victory in the three match series, but South Africa had other ideas.

The West Indies took first strike and could only muster up 243, too small a total for a big side like South Africa, who is ranked second in the Test category on the ICC ladder. Chanderpaul again stepping up to the demand and stroking an unbeaten 65, supported by Marlon Samuels who chipped in with 51.

In reply South Africa drummed up 321 as Ashwell Prince was unfortunate in not getting a century after being run out for 98, as South Africa set up a lead of 78 runs.

In the second Innings the West Indies needed a miracle not only in getting past the 78 runs lead, but in putting up a big score perhaps 350 or more with two days to go, but got in all sorts of trouble, with the openers Denish Ramdin 32 runs and Darren Ganga 22 runs going back to the dressing room cheaply. Here the African bowler Dale Steyn picked up 4 for 44 to rattle the Windies who fell for 262 despite a gallant 38 from Captain Chris Gayle, and an unbeaten 70 from Chanderpaul.

And with 185 runs to win the Proteas were home and dry, with two men standing tall; Captain Grahame Smith who smashed a top score 85, and Jaque Kallis who supported with 22, as South Africa lost only three wickets in reaching 186...argument done, South Africa won by seven wickets.

YardFlex fans, around the region are now eagerly awaiting what will be a mouth watering clash in the third and final test which bowls off on Thursday, January 10 in Durban.

By Dwight Fraser and Devon Anderson

The year 2007 will go down in no uncertain terms, as perhaps the most memorable year in sports for Yard Fans, who have come to expect that Jamaica's exploits on the track, on the pitch, or on the court's will be the quintessential of the Caribbean.

2007 saw massive accomplishments, and unparalleled performances where the Caribbean athlete in general and Jamaicans pushed the bondaries of
Athleticism, in further stamping their class on the International sporting Arena.

Cricket

In April 2007 the Caribbean came together, organized and staged without question the best ever International Cricket Council/Caribbean World Cup of Cricket, and an estimated television audience of 1.8 billion watched the month long event.

Some 16 teams took part in the World Cup, where Games were held at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, The Queens Park Oval In Trinidad, The Kensington Oval in Barbados, and Sabina Park In Kinston. Defending Champions Australia were again winners after beating Sri-Lanka in the final by six wickets thanks to a glorious 149 by Adam Gilchrist.

Tickets sales were confirmed at 31.4 million us dollars over the 52
matches, and was the highest ever achieved for any cricket world cup,
beating the previous record of 22 million in the United Kingdom in 1999.

The Caribbean men advanced past the first round with victories, over
Pakistan, Zimbabwe and Ireland but failed to get past the Second Round.

It was in the month of April that the West Indian Legend Brian Charles
Lara bid farewell to the game of glorious uncertainties. April was surely an active month; at one point for the wrong reason as Pakistan's Coach Bob Wolmer was murdered under what was initially considered mysterious circumstances.

In 2007 Jamaica led by Chris Gayle and Wavel Hinds also restored joy and jubilation in the hearts of yard fans, after they won the regional 50 overs competition, beating Barbados in the final.

Track and Field

Jamaica's Asafa Powell shrugged off injury (an arevated groin) earlier in the season to break his previous world mark of 9.77 seconds in setting a mind boggling and lifetime best 9.74 seconds at the Reti Grand Prix meet in Italy on September 9. This was a legal trail wind of 1.7 metres per second.

Intrestingly Powell's aforementioned record would come a mere nine days after he anchored Jamaica to the historic breaking of the national Men's 4x100 metres record twice in one day at the World Track and Field Championship in Osaka, Japan. After the local team sped to a frightening 38.02 in the heats, the quartet of Marvin Anderson, Usain Bolt, Nester Carter, and Powell copped the silver behind the United States in the 4x100 metres final in a blazing 37.89 seconds.

Notable too was the fact that Veronica Campbell reminded the world that she was a legitimate contender for every title that there was to win, when she clocked 11.01 seconds to win the women's 100 metres at the World Championship This became her first Individual Gold at this level, beating the United States pair of Lauryn Williams and Carmelita Jeter who came in second and third respectively.

Coming in for some recognition in 2007 on the track was Usain "Lightning" Bolt. The former William Knibb runner smashed Donald Quarrie's National 200 metre mark of 19.86 seconds to establish 19.74 at the Jamaican National Trials at Kinston's National Stadium in June.

In 2007 the world renowned Merlene Ottey and the American Tyson Gay were in attendance to give wedding blessings on Veronica, who said 'I do' to her long time companion from Trelawny Omar Brown.

Jamaica also said farewell to the great Olympian Herb Mckenely who died of a heart attack in late November. Mckenely a longstanding icon, coach, and legend, was the first man to go under 46 seconds over 400 metres. He was part of Jamaica's first and only team to win gold in the 4x400 metres relay in Helsinki. Mckenely was 85.

Football

In football Jamaica's Junior Reggae Boys (under 23) under the guidance of Youth Coach Wendell Downswell made a massive stride at this level in the best finish ever at the Pan Am Games, copping the silver after a 2-1 loss to Ecuador in the final.

Go Reggae Boys, Go Reggae Boys...Go, the seniors knocked over all in the way and came up trumps with the Lunar New Year Cup in Hong Kong to give the Serbian, Bora Mulotinovic his first win while in charge as National Technical Director. .However, that would be their only silverware for 2007, as they failed to win a single game over several months, and dropped outside the Fifa/Coca Cola top 100 for the first time in more than 15 years.

A reprieve came when reggae Boys finished the year at position 97
following two back to back victories at the National Stadium over
El-Salvador and Guatemala respectively. This came about as the vibes
slowly returned to The Office (National Stadium) with players like Ricardo 'bibby' Gardner, Ricardo Jamal Campbell-Ryce, 'Wily Boo' Fuller, Khari Stephenson, Luton Shelton, Donovan Ricketts, Damian 'Stew Peas' Stewart, Ian 'Pepe' Goodison, Tyrone Marshall, Fabian Taylor and Jermaine 'Teddy' Johnson - all in the line up.

Captain Horace Burrel the man who was at the helm when Jamaica qualified for it's first ever World Cup in 1998, was returned unopposed as The President of the Jamaica Football Federation, ousting Cresston Boxhill in November. Under this change in administration the coach who was in charge in '94, Professor Rene Simoes was recalled to lead the National Programme.

Let us not forget The Reggae Girls who had fluctuating fortunes in 2007, as they were knocked out of the CAC Games first round but finished the year at Postioin 61...not bad for some ladies who get no international friendly games to help in their preparation.

Netball

Jamaica's Senior Sunshine Girls led by Captain Eliane Davis, and the
sensational Simone Forbes, had a spectacular year in 2007, as their
crowning moment cane when they retained the bronze Medal won at the World Netball Championship in New Zealand, beating England 53-52 in the third place playoff in November.

This performance was a convincing turnaround to a disappointing run in the three months leading up to the Championship, as they lost to Australia, New Zealand, and England in three separate tests.

Special Olympics

Jamaica's biggest medal haul came at the 12th renewal of the Special
Olympic World Games, in Shanghai, China, when some 57 medals were won
across 8 disciplines. That is Track and field, Swimming, Football,
Basketball, Bocce, Badminton, Skating and Volleyball.

This medal tally outweighed the 47 won in Ireland in 2003, and placed the cap on a wonderful year where some 55 athletes and 11 coaches were in training since 2005.

Lorna Bell and her hard working team were supported all the way by
corporate Jamaica, especially Digicel who kept pace with their every move.

Talented young footballers will have a once in a lifetime chance to learn invaluable football skills courtesy of Digicel, the largest sponsors of football in the Caribbean today.

The announcement which was made today will see talented balers learning techniques from arguably the Caribbean's greatest ever football player, while at the same time being afforded the chance to realize their dream of becoming professional footballers. Led by former England and Liverpool star John Barnes, who takes on the role of Head Coach for the clinics, the Digicel Kick Start Football Clinics begin in early 2008 and take place in Guyana, Barbados, Haiti, Antigua, Suriname, Trinidad, St. Kitts and Jamaica. Six of the most talented young footballers to participate in the clinics will be chosen by John Barnes to travel to the UK to spend a week at a top English Barclays Premier League football club, where they will take part in an intensive training session with the club.

Speaking at the photoshoot for the Digicel Kick Start Football Clinics, John Barnes said, "I'm looking forward to the clinics and to seeing the level of talent amongst the next generation of Caribbean footballers. You see what happened in Africa 20 to 30 years ago when a lot of people were slow to recognize the talent, well, the Caribbean is an untapped market. Talent here needs to be harnessed and given an opportunity and these clinics developed by Digicel are an opportunity to do just that. In England, they now recognize the fact that although Africa is saturated, this is the next place where you are going to get
talented footballers coming out to grace the Premier League."

Digicel Group Commercial Director, Brian Finn, said of the clinics, "The Digicel Kick Start Football Clinics offer young aspiring footballers a fantastic opportunity to learn key skills of the game by training with world-class footballer, John Barnes. Digicel is already a huge supporter of Caribbean football through the Digicel Caribbean Cup, Digicel Shield and Digicel International matches and these clinics are another example of our commitment to the game." The clinics, which are run in association with the Caribbean Football Union, were developed by Digicel, with the support of FIFA Vice-President, Jack Warner, who has been a huge assistance to Digicel in helping raise the profile of football in the Caribbean.

Full details of the Digicel Kick Start Clinics will be announced over the coming weeks and will include details on how local clubs and school teams have the opportunity to be part of these clinics which will help them realize their dream of being the next International football star from the Caribbean, playing in the Barclays English Premier League.

By: Devon Anderson and Dwight Fraser

Jamaica said goodbye and farewell to olympic hero Herb McKenley last Saturday with an official funeral at the National Arena attended by celebrities from public life and sports.

In the presence of a diverse gathering McKenley was praised for his service to the nation after his retirement from running also for his olympic achievements.

Paying tributes to this icon who was not only a double Olympic 400 metres silver medalist, but also a gold medalist in the Helsinki 4x400 relay win - was Prime Minister Bruce Golding who announced that a statue will be commissioned by the government and mounted on Independence Park campus to celebrate McKinley's life.

Former Prime Ministers Edward Seaga, PJ Patterson and Portia Simpson-Miller were also in attendance.

Other tributes came from his daughter Laura Bryce, Bernie Panton - on behalf of the Calabar Old Boys Association, Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association president Howard Aris and Jamaica Olympic Association president Mike Fennell. Donald Quarrie the 1976 Olympic 200 metres Gold medalist also spoke on behalf of Jamaica's athletes.

He was later laid to rest at the National Heroes Park. Mckinely is survived by three children and wife Beverly. He was 85 .

By: Devon Anderson and Dwight Fraser

Rene Simoes the man who took Jamaica to the FIFA World Cup in France 1998 has returned as the new Technical Director for the national programme.

Captain Horace Burrell head of the Jamaican Football Federation made the announcement during a press conference held at the federation headquarters in New Kingston recently.

Simoes who coached the Brazilian series B club Cortiba to top flight competition, will take over from the embattled Bora Mulutinovic who parted ways with the Jamaica Football Federation close to a month ago.

It has been reported on a Brazilian website that Simoes have turned down offers from other countries, to take up the Reggae Boyz mantle based on the relationship with Jamaica in the past.

Interim coach Theodore "Tappa" Whitmore will retain his job as an assistance coach to work alongside the three other assistants who will come with Simoes from Brazil.

Professor Simoes will be in charge of all football including women and youth programs and is also responsible for selecting local coaches to assist him in the technical department. His base salary has been reported as $600,000 U.S annually over the next three years.

The Federation is looking forward to qualify for the world cup that will be staged in South Africa in 2010, and Simoes is charged with the responsibility of taking the Senior Reggae Boyz there.

By: Dwight Fraser and Devon Anderson

One of Jamaica's and the world's most outstanding track athletes, Olympian Herb Mckenley, died recently at the age of 85. Know also as a remarkable coach and motivator, Mckenley, will be laid to rest on Saturday December 8.

The former Calabar coach and President of the Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association (JAAA), will be laid to rest at the National Heroes Circle in an official send off funeral.

Mckenley who was one of the greatest all round athletes of the 20th century was best remembered for his scorching third leg on Jamaica's mile relay team that struck gold at the 1952 Olympics. His passing came after complications of pneumonia, according to family spokesperson, Howard Aris, president of the JAAA.

Representing the black, green and gold in 1948 in London and 1952 in Helsinki, Mckenley won a total of three silver medals and one gold at the Olympic Games. The Gold was achieved with team-mates Arthur Wint, Lais Laing and George Rhoden.

The legend and Icon that he was, Mckenley is also responsible for guiding athletes such as Daniel England, Howard 'Bird man' Davis, Norman Morse, Ali Watson, Carl Smith, Stanley Goodrich and John Messam.

An old Jamaican 'nine night' send off ceremony will be held on Friday night, December 7, inside the National Arena, culminating with native traditional dances and folk rituals, the way Herb would appreciate it.

By: Devon Anderson and Dwight Fraser

Jamaican netballers "The Sunshine Girls" performed creditably at the just concluded world netball championships when they maintained their third place ranking by defeating England in a tight finish 53-52.

Earlier, in the tournament the girls won their zone to qualify for the semi-final with the big three Austrailia, New Zealand and England.

However, despite playing competitively against New Zealand in the semi-final The Sunshine Girls could not withstand the strong challenge from that country's "Silver Ferns" and succumbed to a 59-49 defeat.

The Connie Francis trained team then showed their mettle by defeating England to win the bronze.

Stand out goal shooter Romelda Aitken was voted the best new talent and Connie Francis the best upcoming coach. Yardflex sends hearty congratulations to the administrative staff and the team.

Meanwhile, Australia went on to defeat defending champions New Zealand for the gold.

By: Devon Anderson and Dwight Fraser

The Jamaican Football team "The Reggae Boyz" made a successful return to the National Stadium - "The Office," when they won their two international friendlies against El Salvador and Guatemala under the new Jamaica Football Federation Administration with Captain Horace Burrell at the helm.

In the first game on Sunday November 18 against El Salvador the Theodore Whitmore coached team won 3-nil in an encouraging but not overwhelming performance by the Boyz. This all took place under the watchful eyes of approximately18,000 spectators clad in their gold, green and black our traditional "Yard" colours.

On this occasion the team was captained by Ricardo "Bibby" Gardner who plies his trade in the English Premier League for Bolton Wanderers. The goal scorers were Captain Gardner and Rudolph Austin.

In the second encounter on Wednesday November 21 against Guatemala, the Reggae Boyz kept their composure and eeked out a comprehensive 2-nil victory, under soggy conditions in front of a similar size crowd.

However this time the team was captained by goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts as Ricardo Gardner had to return to England due to contractual agreement with his club.

Ricardo "Willy boo" Fuller kicked the goal scoring door wide open when he chipped the ball over the head of an advancing Luis Molina in goal, while Omar Daley's had a surging run down the middle after picking up a loose ball, and struck a ferocious ground shot that beat Molina in the right hand side of his goal .

Jamaica's rookie coach Theodore Whitmore who played for the Reggae Boyz on the journey to France in '98 was elated to have been given the opportunity by administration to be the man in charge of the squad for these two international friendlies. He dedicated the victories to former team mates now deceased Stephen "Shorty" Malcolm and Peter "Jair" Cargill.

By: Devon Anderson and Dwight Fraser

Jamaica's senior Reggae Boys will entertain El-Salvador and Guatemala at The Office this Sunday, November 18. Then on Wednesday the 21st the teams will come together once again to participate in international friendlies, arranged by the new Jamaican Football Federation (JFF) President Captain Horace Burrell.

Burrell chose former Reggae Boy Theodore Whitmore, who captained his team at the 1998 World Cup in France, to be the interim coach for these two games with Bradly Stewart holding down the post of assistant.

However it has been said in the media and many a football circle that the president's intention is to re-introduce Brazilian Rene Simoes, the coach who took Jamaica's Reggae Boys to World Cup in '98, as the one who will take over at the helm.

Since his new appointment as head of JFF administration Captain Burrell has sacked Velibor Bora' Mulutinovic as National Technical Director citing a breach of contract. Mulutinovic, whose appointment was under the previous administration with a four year deal - said to be worth one million US dollars per annum, had completed the first year of the contract at the time of his dismissal.

The Reggae Boys currently rank 103 on the latest Coca Cola/FIFA ranking and they are now expected to demonstrate their ascendancy in the quest to be that respectable and credible Caribbean opponent they once were.

The Jamaican fans are hungry for 'The Boys' who last played at The Office on July 2nd, in a one nil loss to Chile.

The Tappa Whitmore line up should include the overseas based Khari Stephenson, Ricardo 'Bibby' Gardner, Luton Shelton, Ricardo 'Willy Boo' Fuller, Damion 'Stew Peas' Stewart, Ian 'Pepe' Goodison and Jermaine 'Teddy' Johnson along with scores of local players.

These two games form part of the push towards preparing to qualify for the 2010 World Cup, in South Africa.

By: Dwight Fraser and Devon Anderson

Jamaica secured a record 57 medals at the 12th Special Olympic World Games In China in October, shattering the previous best of 37 garnered in Ireland in 2003.

The Jamaicans participated in eight sporting disciplines. They were: Track and Field, Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Bocce, Badminton, Swimming and Roller Skating.

Virtually lighting up Shanghai, the Jamaicans developed a cult like following ....never mind the peas bread, and the vegetarian goose with blended carrot Yangzhou style.

That 13 hour flight across the Atlantic only served to rev up the Black Green and Gold delegation of 55 Athletes and 11 coaches.

The Special Olympic Reggae Boys took China by storm, in living up to Munga Honourables, 'Bad from mi Baan', beating everything in front of them. Led by Sydney Manyan and Rocky Lindsay, they wrapped up a memorable sting with a five nil win over China, in the final.

Jamaican Swimmers secured 11 Medals in their splash led by Kadian "good like gold" Ingleton, who secured 1 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze.

In addition three other athletes who stood out with excellent performances were Coy Briscoe in Track and Field, Ryan Farquarhson in Track and Field, and Terry Burgess in Bocce.

Briscoe with two bronze medals, one in the half marathon event and the other in the 1500 meters, taking third place in the grueling Marathon event in just 1 hour and 36 minutes.

Farquarhson in his third stint at the World Games level, secured 1 bronze in the 500 meters, a silver in the 2x300 meter relay, with compatriot Richard Habib, getting his gold in the 300 meters. While Terry Burgess was responsible for raking in a gold in the men's singles event, a silver in the doubles and a bronze in the team section.

Executive Director of Special Olympic Jamaica Lorna Bell explained that she was satisfied with the performance of the coaches, and athletes for their effort in flying the banner high in the Oriental Pearl. Bell was given the Order of Distinction (Officer Class) upon her return from China.

One athlete said, on the night before Jamaica left Shanghai that - the Jamaicans sell off!

By: Devon Anderson and Dwight Fraser

World Olympic gold medalist, Veronica Campbell exchanged vows with Olympian and commonwealth gold medalist Omar Brown at St Augustine's Anglican Church in Coral Gardens, Montego Bay on Saturday November 3.

Also attending the function was Olympic and World Championship Legend, Merlene Ottey as well as IAAF World triple gold medalist Tyson Gay and Olympian Aileen Bailey [Capleton - the Fire Man's sister]

.

By: Dwight Fraser and Devon Anderson

Jamaica led by captain Chris Gayle who also represents the West Indies, won the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) Limited 50 overs against Trinidad and Tobago, played in Barbados at the 3W’s oval.

With first strike, Jamaica made a score of 230 from their allotted 50 overs with the top scorer Brenton Parchment with 52. When Trinidad and Tobago replied, they could only muster 202 all out from 49.3 overs - their top scorer being Lendl Simmonds with 64.

The top pick of the Jamaican bowlers were Jerome Taylor 3--37 and Chris Gayle 3--32. "Man of the Match" was awarded to West Indies fast bowler Jerome Taylor. Jamaica now will focus their attention to the four day series against the other Caribbean teams in the region in early 2008.

.

By: Devon Anderson & Dwight Fraser
The world's fastest man Asafa Powell, achieved yet again an incredible feat, not impossible by his standards, as he shaved the world's best time of 9.77 seconds down to 9.74 seconds, in winning the men's 100 metres event at the Reti - Grand Prix - meeting in Italy on Sunday night.

The M.V.P sprinter established a personal, and season best, a year's leading and the second world record of his career in the heats of the event. In a legal trail wind of 1.7 metres per-second Powell got home ahead of Saidy Jaysuma of Norway whose time was 10.07 seconds and World Champion Kim Collins of St. Kitts who came third with 10.14 seconds.

The Jamaican erased the previous world leading time of 9.85 seconds done by American Tyson Gay,at the World Championship in Osaka.

A feat that some Yard Flex fans are hoping could have come in that same event against Tyson Gay at the World, stage in Japan.

Yard Flex spoke to someone in Asafa's MVP camp at Utech on Tuesday night, who explained that, "The best of Asafa is yet to come" and that Gay, "Must keep hiding from the "big man" who is peaking just about now."

That argument of Gay hiding from Powell has some merits as the American was due to face Powell On Friday September 14, in Belgium at the next Golden league meet, but told the organizers that he was tired, after competing in 9 races in eight days at the World Championship.

Yard Flex fans and the world will be looking on at Asafa Powell in Belgium.

Is there another record in the making?

By: Devon Anderson and Dwight Fraser

National champions Delloreen Ennis London and Noveline Williams continued to bring success to Jamaica's rich track and field tradition, as they mined bronze in their respective events to increase the country medal haul to four on day five at the 11th International Amateur Athletic Federation ( IAAF) World Athletics Championships in Osaka, Japan.

Ennis London clocked a personal best 12:50 seconds as she finished third behind eventual winner and title holder Michelle Perry of the United States 12:46 seconds, with the silver medal going to the Canadian Perdita Felicien 12:49 in the women's 100 metres hurdles final. The other Jamaican in the finals Vonnette Dixon could only manage 7th place with a personal best 12:64.

Meanwhile in the women's 400 metres final Noveline Williams eastablished a season best 49:66 running out of lane 7, and leading for 365 metres, the gold seem certain, but Jamaicans all over the world were reminded at least for that brief moment while Noveline rushed towards the tape that 'you must not count your chickens before they are hatched' and Williams was caught at the tape by the British pair of Christine Ohuruogu the eventual winner 49:61 and Nicola Saunders second in 49:65.

All the Jamaicans failed to progress to the final of the men"s 400 metres. Ricardo Chambers, Micheal Balckwood and Sanjay Ayre competed well but fell short of qualification. Blackwood's 45.65 in semi-final one was only good enough for eight place, Chambers was fifth in Semi-final two in 45.18 seconds behind the eventual winner Jeremy Wariner of the United States 44.34, while tradegy struck for national Champion Sanjay Ayre who pulled up in semi-final three and did not complete the event.

It was dissapointment for the defending champion Trecia Kaye-Smith who failed to progress to the next round of the Women's triple Jump, as she finished 13th in group A' with a leap of 13.47 metres.

So after five days of competition, Jamaica lies in ninth place on the medal table with one gold, and three bronze, still on course to equal or better the eight medal haul in Helsinki back in 2005.

By: Devon Anderson and Dwight Fraser
"Wi likkle but wi tallawah" can be paraphrased to the majestic achievement of Veronica Campbell in winning the World Athletics Championship 100 metres gold medal on Monday, in Osaka, Japan, as; “although Jamaica is small geographically and has a population not exceeding 2.8 million people , our accomplishments in Track and Field on the world stage is not only phenomenal but without a doubt incomparable.”

Yardflex fans at home and abroad are still celebrating the quintessential exploits of the girl from the Parish of Trelawny who re-wrote the history books by winning the event in 11.01 seconds, in a blanket finish with the American pair of Lauryn Williams who incidentally is the Defending World Champion and Carmelita Jeter 11.01 and 11.02 seconds respectively.

Campbell's time never shattered the world record but the performance further solidified the point that as Olympic Champion over 200 metres, she has the mettle and grit to add one more major title to her collection. The former University of Arkansas runner who has a world leading 10.89 seconds posted at the National Trials in Kingston, Jamaica in June, won the event from Lane six, and remains on course to take the double in the 200 metres later this week.

Meanwhile Campbell's team-mate Kerron -Stewart out of Auburn University finished 7th in the event in a time of 11.12 seconds.

In the men's equivalent World record holder Asafa Powell had to settle for bronze behind winner Tyson Gay of the United States 9.84 seconds, and Bahamian Derrick Atkins in 9.91 seconds.

Leading up to 65 metres the former Charlemont High School runner Asafa lost his moment and was quickly gobbled up by the aforementioned pair to capture his first World Championship medal in 9.96 seconds, below his season best of 9.90 set at the Rome Golden League meeting on June 13 this year

By: Devon Anderson and Dwight Fraser

Jamaica's under 19 Cricketers are back home after successful tournaments in St. Kitts. The TCL/West Indies Under 19 Three Day and the Limited (50) Overs competitions were entered into with confidence by Jamaica’s team.

The Andre Coley coached Jamaicans finished a respectable second in the three day format of the game, which was eventually won by Guyana.

However, the fortunes of the young Jamaicans changed during the One Day Competition when some flashes of brilliance with the bat, from: Shakoya Thomas, Derval Green (Captain), Horace Miller, Christie Jones, Nkruma Bonner and Andre Creary and with the ball, from: Jason Dawes along with Jamie Merchant helped facilitated the outdoing of their opponents to cap a scintillating run over five games.

In the finals, Jamaica chasing Guyana's 226 all out romped to 229 for 2 with 9 overs to spare, led by a “Man of the Match” performance from opener Horace Miller who scored a brilliant 133.

The Black, Gold and Green standard bearers under the Guidance of manager, Fitz Harris, hustled throughout the tight format of the schedule against The Leewards, The Winwards, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Guyana to cop a well deserved silverware.

By:Alan Lewin
Former President of the Jamaica Football Federation and C.E.O. for the chains of Captain's Bakeries, Captain Horace Burrell, was presented with a bronze award by the St. James Football Association at their annual awards ceremony held at the Wexford Court Hotel in Montego Bay, Jamaica recently.

The award to Captain Burrell was to show St. James Football Association's appreciation for sponsoring the St. James F.A. Captain Bakery knockout football competition which was won this year by Seba United. Former National World Cup player, Theodore Whitmore accepted the Captain Bakery Knockout trophy on behalf of his team, Seba.

North Gully Ambassadors were Guardian Life Division 2 Champions. The team Revelation won the Steve Bucknor Football Championship and Seba Youths were also the Hart and Sons Senior League and Western Sports knock-out champions.

By: Devon Anderson and Dwight Fraser
The Jamaican trio of Chris Gayle, Marlon Samuels and Darren Powell have been included in the West Indies star -studded team down to compete in the first ever ICC/Twenty 20 World Cup which bowls off in South Africa on September 11.

The regional side under the guidance of interim coach David Moore will seek to maintain their immaculate form in the shorter version of the game, after coming off a 2-1 series win in the one-dayers (50 overs) and a one all draw in the twenty/20
(20 overs) games, in their last tour against England.

West Indies, who now rank seventh in the one day version is drawn in group A' of the Competition and will open their account against hosts South Africa on September 11 at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.

Both teams have never met in this format of the game before, and the only recent limited overs clash between them was back in the ICC/World Cup in the Caribbean in April, where the South Africans defeated the Caribbean side by 67 runs at St. Georges, in Grenada.

Each group consists of three teams and the Ramnaresh Sarwan led side will face minnows Bangladesh on September 13 in their second game.

12 teams are participating in the four group competition which will have its climax on September 24. The world number one ranked team, Australia is drawn in group B with Zimbabwe and England.

The Full West Indies Squad reads: Ramnaresh Sarwan (Captain), Chris Gayle, Chivnarine Chanderpaul, Dwayne Bravo, Marlon Samules, Runako Morton, Dwayne Smith, Devon Smith, Darren Sammy, Denesh Ramdin. Narsing Deonarine, Ravi Rampaul, Darren Powell, Fidel Edwards, and Pedro Collins.

By: Devon Anderson
The World Athletic Championship starts in Osaka Japan on August 25 – September 2 2007. Everyone in the athletic world will be focused on the Asian country for what should be an interesting event. Jamaica will be one of the participants and from a male and female standpoint has a strong chance of showing their true mettle.

World 100 meters record holder, Asafa Powell, national 200 meters speedball, Usain Bolt and Olympic 400 meters hurdles silver medalist, Danny McFarlane are the male athletes with a strong chance to medal. While on the female side: Olympic 200 meters gold medalist, Veronica Campbell, the world championship triple jump gold medalist, Tricia Smith and world championship 100 meters hurdles silver medalist, Delorren Enis London, will lead the national charge, named to represent the black, green and gold at the world championships.

Other notable athletes attending are: Keino Sinclair in the 800 meters, Elva Goldbourne in the long jump for women, James Beckford in the long jump for men and Maurice Wignall in the 110 meters hurdles.

Jamaica has a solid relay team both male and female for the 4 x 100 and 4 x 400 and should give a good account of themselves as we look forward to this world class championship.

By: Devon Anderson and Dwight Fraser

Jamaica's senior Reggae Boys crashed to a one nill loss against South American side Chile in a keenly contested friendly international affair at Kingston's National Stadium on Tuesday June 5.

With the action swinging from end to end, both teams enjoyed even ball possession throughout the game, and Jamaica's best chance was muffed by mid fielder Nicholas Findlayson who was on the receiving end of a good build up down the right side, leaving the Jamaican spectators to shout a collective sigh of "ahhhhhhhh" in disbelief.

Pressed by the pace of the South Americans the Reggae Boys were found scrambling in defense and that was most pronounced in a counter attack in which Juan Gonzalez, beat the Jamaican Custodian Richard McCallum in minute number 19 to silence the over 15,000 spectators in the stadium.

Undaunted by the fact that they were trailing and their offensive synchronicity was absent, the Reggae Boys launched several attacks but their efforts were constantly broken up. That situation was changed when Sheffield United Star forward Luton Shelton fired from the top of the box. It was a respectable effort and had it been about 5 inches lower, it would have brought the home side on level terms, but the ball ricocheted off the cross bar back into play.

Try as they may the Jamaicans could not equalize and both teams went back to the dressing room at the interval with the scores unchanged.

On the resumption both coaches were experimental and substituted frequently. This situation changed the complexion of the game to some extent.

Jamaica had two more decent chances in the second half, but again failed to capitalize. This point was underscored by the fact that forward Fabian Taylor missed a header from just in front of the goal.

The visitors were able to hold off a spirited Jamaican outfit, that is now gearing up for next year's Concacaf World Cup qualifiers, which will give them a chance to play in football's biggest showpiece in South Africa in 2010.

After the Game Jamaican Technical Director Bora Mulitoniovich said that although the team lost he was quite satisfied with the performance from a technical and Tactical Standpoint.

By: Devon Anderson
Photo courtesy of tribuneindia.com

England finished the first day of the third test on 296 for 7 after winning the toss and electing to bat.

Play started on Thursday June 7th under overcast conditions at the Old Trafford grounds in Manchester.

The West Indies who made three changes to their squad had early success when opener Andrew Strauss was adjudged lbw to paceman Jerome Taylor for 6 with the score on 13.

However captain Michael Vaughan and Allister Cook took the score to 117 before the West Indians made another breakthrough, with Corey Collymore bowling Vaughan for 41.

Allister Cook 60, Kevin Pietersen 9 and Paul Collingwood 10 all fell in quick succession as England was now on 166 for 5.

However a recovery partnership of 98 between Ian Bell and Matt Prior took the score to some respectability, before Prior was out caught.

The days play ended with Ian Bell not out on 77 and Steve Harmison not out on 2.

Bowling from a West Indian perspective was good as Jerome Taylor and Corey Collymore had two wickets each. Fidel Edwards, Dwayne Bravo and Daren Sammy had one wicket apiece.

The West Indies brought in Shivnerine Chanderpaul who was injured after the first test, Fidel Edwards and Daren Sammy, while the England squad remained unchanged.

Darren Ganga had the opportunity to captain the side for the first time in the absence of appointed captain Ramnaresh Sarwan who is out of the series with a shoulder injury. The game continues on Friday at the same venue.

Joseph Cunningham
Yardflex.com Reporter

He was strangled! That is the breaking news this evening, Bob Woolmer, Pakistan's former cricket coach was strangled to death.
While information reaching the YardFlex news room is 'sketchy', it causes one to ask the question; is sport being taken too seriously?

Throughout sporting history there has been innumerable incidents of 'passions' overwhelming sports lovers. The famous 'bite' by Mike Tyson on Evander Holyfield, that on-field brawl between Jamaica and Mexico a few years ago and Brazilian football star, Zico's house was 'torched' by angry fans after the Brazilian team was eliminated from the world cup by Argentina at the semi-final stage in 1990.

During the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup, Indian wicketkeeper, Mahendra Dhoni's house was 'torn down' after he made 'ducks in his team's loss to Bangladesh.

While investigations in the Bob Woolmer case continue, we should remember that although 'top - flight' sports are big money investments, sport is sport! And should be treated as such, 'an active pastime participated in for pleasure or exercise'.

By: Joseph Cunningham
YardFlex.com Reporter

Booming speculations that Pakistan's World Cup Cricket coach, Bob Woolmer, died from an overdose of prescription drugs and alcohol caused by stress, have intensified. Latest reports have revealed, Jamaican police are following leads that support the speculations.

Bob Woolmer led Pakistan's World Cup cricket team to the Caribbean in early March with optimism, geared at winning the International Cricket Council's (ICC) tournament.

By the second game Pakistan was 'out' of the tournament. The legendary coach was found dead in his room at a hotel in Kingston, Jamaica, with blood gushing from his mouth, less than 24 hours after suffering that shock defeat to 'minnows' Ireland. He was 58 years old.

While the world grieves Woolmer's death, not many seem to identify the pressure that coaching a title contender in a world cup brings. Any international sports event, be it the World Cup of cricket, football or the Olympic Games, are 'high pressure' situations, not just for players, but for coaches as well.

Television pictures at the end of Pakistan's shock defeat by Ireland on Saturday showed a visibly upset Woolmer slamming shut his laptop and stuffing objects into a bag before storming out of the room. Speculations are that he took the defeat 'to heart'.

South Africa team manager Goolam Rajah, with whom Woolmer worked closely for many years, said however, that his colleague generally coped with the stress of the job well.

"Like any coach he was never happy to lose a game," Rajah told reporters. "But he knew how to manage the process of defeat or adversity. Whenever things weren't going well he would be quite composed. He would sit and talk through things. He didn't believe in doing things by half measures, and he was disappointed by the defeat yesterday. But I would have thought that he would have come out of it quite strongly in a few days time, he was that type of man."

Woolmer's wife Gill, sons Dale, 27 and Russell, 24, were told of his death at their home in South Africa on Sunday. Gill said her husband had been depressed over Pakistan's shock defeat by Ireland on Saturday.

"His job coaching there has been incredibly stressful," she said.
The legend has been credited with introducing computer analysis in cricket coaching. He will be buried in South Africa.

Preparation for the Opening Ceremony for the Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007 is at an advanced stage according to Event Manager Martin Lewis.

The first rehearsal will be held on Saturday, March 10 at 2 p.m. and this will be followed by another at 5:15 --- which is the precise time at which the Opening Ceremony will commence. A final rehearsal will be held at 6:00 o'clock in the morning of March 11.

Already two mass rehearsal have been held. Lewis stated "we had 700 performers last Sunday. Then, on February 24, the full complement of more than 2,000 persons will participate. It is important for us to do these rehearsals at the venue, as the performers and crew must be acclimatised to the field, the stage and the grandeur of it all."
Lewis said that the Opening Ceremony will be the greatest challenge for the integration of functional areas during the two-month tournament.

The Ceremony will be televised life and according to Lewis "everyone involved will have to tune in to what needs to be done. This is particularly important as Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium in Jamaica, where the event takes place on March 11, will be the scene of the West Indies' warm-up fixture against India just 48 hours before on March 9."

He further added that "it will be a challenge but we will have to work around the warm-up schedule. As soon as that match (on March 9) is over, a technical team of 300 persons will work from Friday night, non-stop on the installation, right through to the Opening Ceremony. This will be the largest stage and sound set-up in the Caribbean.

Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner of Police Owen Ellington, who chairs Jamaica's Local Security Committee, noted that the spectacle, which will run three hours exactly, will require a high level of security, especially given the logistics of transporting a large number of performers and technical crew to and from Kingston.

Additionally, he said, there are other key matters: safety and security at the stadium (both for people and assets; traffic separation (vehicular and pedestrian) and control as well as the integration of safety and security with other functional areas.

Ellington acknowledged the Opening Ceremony will be a major test for the security forces but is confident that all involved have been well prepared to handle this event.

With just a few weeks remaining for the forthcoming Cricket World Cup (CWC) in the Caribbean, the first set of participating nations will begin to arrive this week for the International Cricket Council (ICC) tournament.

Bermuda lead a list of three teams, slated to compete in a Tri Series in Antigua and Barbuda from February 25 to 28, who will land in the twin-island host venue. The Bermudians, which will be competing in the Cricket World Cup for the first time, are scheduled to arrive on Monday night. Bangladesh are scheduled to arrive on Tuesday afternoon and Canada on Friday morning.

The three countries will lock horns at Antigua Recreation Ground (ARG) in a four-day series before departing on March 1 to their respective locations for CWC warm-up matches.

The LOC's Cricket Operations Manager, Martin Cave, will be the main liaison for the event and other LOC officials will assist as is necessary.

The opening match of the tournament is scheduled for March 13 at Sabina Park in Jamaica between West Indies and Pakistan. The Caribbean team will then meet Zimbabwe on March 19 and Ireland on March 24.

The West Indies 15-man squad will be in camp from February 22 to 28.

By: Melton Williams

Out of favour England-based Reggae Boy Marlon King broke his silence over the alleged report that he had women in his hotel room and other issues during the two-match England tour in May and June of last year.

King spoke for the first time about the wide-spread report after he was slapped with a two-year ban a few days ago by the disciplinary committee of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) into misconduct charges during the England tour.

The Reggae Boy was not present at the hearing citing that he had work
commitments for his Premiership club Watford. However, he defended his
position not to make himself available for the crucial hearing in Jamaica.

He said: "The situation was blown out. It should not have reached this
stage. It should not have gone public. It should have been dealt with in house.

"At the last conversation I had with the president (Crenston Boxhill), he said he was going to phone me. He said the delegation was going to come to a decision whether they would let me play in the England game. The next things I heard was the story on SkySport news that I was excluded from the squad. "Going to Jamaica to explain my situation wasn't feasible at the time because as I said the whole situation was blown out of proportion. I just wanted it to be over and done with .... I thought I had already been punished.

"Then statements were made about females in my hotel room when I had my fiancee. The president talked about girls in the hotel. All the players have girls in the hotel up to four oclock in the morning and nobody said anything."

King, who was very upset about the decision to ban him, said he was being used as a scapegoat for Jamaica's poor showing on the tour of England.

"At the end of the day I just think that the president was vexed because of several issues that I had spoken of. I came out and I speak the truth. I talked about the facilities ... I talked about leaving half an hour before game and getting into a match some 20 minutes before kick off when the hotel is 10 minutes around the corner.

"I talked about few towels for 24 players. I talked about having a meeting at 2 o'clock in the night when we have training the next day. I stated the facts. I was been make a skapegoat and it is obvious. I have been keeping quiet all these time."

On June 1, the JFF expelled King for disciplinary reasons prior to the
team's historic match against England on June 3, which the Reggae Boyz lost 6-0 at Old Trafford.

Team-mates Jason Euell and Jamal Campbell-Ryce received lighter punishments and were fined half their match fees after the JFF management and technical staff heard appeals by the three players.
The JFF team had earlier expelled the three, who broke a team curfew.

King further stated that "all this negativity is bringing down the Jamaica name. You don't ban players for two years just like that. I I never did anything wrong."

King said that he was disappointed on how the JFF had handled the issue.

He said: "A two year ban to say it was harsh would be an understatement. Not even people who take drugs or other serious cases .... are not banned for two years and to say that you had a disagreement with the president and got a two-year ban is very disappointed.

"I selected Jamaica over Republic of Ireland .. but when thing like this happens it kind of put element of doubts in your head.

"I don't think that my situation was the main reason why things happened. I wasn't part of the team that lost 5-0 to Australia, I wasn't part of the team that lost 6-0 to England. We got the players, we have the players to do well, but you have to ask yourself why aren't these players coming forward to represent Jamaica."

King further said that he was surprised about the hearing considering that the federation had already punished him.

"Did Jamaica want me to play for the Country? The original punishment was for a curfew and that was never in place. It was stated that they were going to deduct money for curfew that was set at 11:o'clock at night. We have already left by 9 or 10 o'clock," said King.

Asked if he will appeal the JFF's decision, King stated that "I will sit and speak to my agent and we will take it from there."

Souvenir Guide for Cricket World Cup to hit bookstores
Work is now taking place around the clock to produce the Official Souvenir Guide for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007.

With the Cricket World Cup (CWC) opening ceremony scheduled for March 11 at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Trelawny, Jamaica -- the first Official Publication for the eagerly-awaited tournament will hit bookstores and select locations throughout the Caribbean and the rest of the cricket-playing world -- including Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, South Africa, the USA and the UK later this month.

The book, which is produced by The Nation Publishing Company Limited in Barbados, will provide a wealth of detailed information on the event, from profiles of the 16 participating nations, to players to watch, highlights of previous ICC Cricket World Cups and a breath-taking showcase of the nine Caribbean Host Venues.

According to the International Cricket Council (ICC) CWC 2007 Commercial Manager, Stephen Price -- the 132-page publication will be well received once it hit the book shelves. He said: "True cricket fans will be clamouring to get this book. It will be a collectible." Price further added that "the ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies 2007 Inc. is very proud of the Official Souvenir Guide and the fact that it was born and bred in the Caribbean." Price said that the Nation is working diligently to get the publication out in the required time frame and they are doing an excellent job.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Publisher of The Nation, Vivian-Ann
Gittens, argued that the region media entity will be "very excited with the Official Souvenir Guide" "It's the first publication we have done for the ICC Cricket World Cup and it demonstrates that a Caribbean company can create a product of exceptional quality for the global arena. "We have been receiving positive reviews from our international partners and are confident that cricket fans around the
world will want to secure a copy of this guide as their official and
authentic source of information for the ICC Cricket World Cup," she said. The Nation will also be responsible for Official Match Programme (inclusive of Official Score Cards) and the Official Commemorative Book.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reported that they have
been getting good responses from the official World Cup 2007 song done by internationally-acclaimed Caribbean artistes.

The song, entitled 'The Game of Love and Unity', was launched in
Port-of-Spain, Trinidad recently and features the voices of
Jamaican-born Shaggy, Barbadian entertainer Rupee and Trinidadian Faye-Ann Lyons.

"The Official Song has had the imput of a number of Caribbean and
Cricket World Cup (CWC) stakeholders and I think the event and the region will have a song of which they can be proud," said ICC CWC 2007 Marketing Manager, Damon Leon. Leon further added that "we have been looking forward to launching the song to the world and embracing it as part of the spirit and identify of ICC Cricket World Cup 2007.

This song will herald a burst of promotional activity as we move towards the tournament" Speaking on behalf of the artistes, Rupee stated that "it is a pleasure working on such a magnificent project. We are going to showcase the best of the Caribbean to the world, including our diverse creative talent and our hospitality when we host the tournament."

The song has been described as a 'high energy, up tempo, soca-inspired
beat with lyrics theamed around the spirit of cricket and the passion which Caribbean people have for the sport. A host of executives from the music and recording industry, CWC stakeholders, officials from the Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana Local Organising Committees (LOC), sponsors attended the launch. The Cricket World Cup will span eight weeks from March to April.

ABOUT THE ARTISTES

Rupee is the lead composer of the ICC CWC 2007 Official Song. Driven by his unique musical style which has created hits such as "Jump" and "Tempted to Touch," the popular composer and performer brings a blend of urban-influenced Caribbean music to this historic track.
Internationally-acclaimed artiste and Grammy Award winner, Shaggy, is
best known for his hit singles "Oh Carolina", "It wasn't me", "Angel" and many others.

Shaggy has been one of the biggest crossover successes in dancehall
reggae and brings his inimitable, distinctive style to the Cricket
World Cup's Official Song.

Faye-Ann Lyons is rapidly establishing herself as a musical force to be reckoned with following her Trinidad and Tobago Road March winning song "Display". She was the third woman in the competition’s history to win the prestigious award and has used this as the platform to launch an escalating solo career.

With crowd and club favourites such as "Freedom", "Lose your way" and "Send Dem", Faye Ann brings her energetic and powerful voice to CWC's Official Song.

By Melton Williams

The Jamaica football programme received a major boost, this time around from corporate giants Red Stripe who has pumped in $100 million as the exclusive alcohol sponsor for the 2010 World Cup qualifier campaign. The campaign is dubbed 'Back To Africa.'

The contract which was signed this week will see Red Stripe Beer paying $100 million over the next three years based on the success of the team during the qualifiers. In addition, the brand will stage exhibition games between the national senior team and international teams in conjunction with the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF).
The deal represents the biggest sponsorship package to the football programme by Red Stripe. On the 'Road to France' campaign, the company had sponsored goalkeeper Aaron Lawrence and added to that a $75 million injection into the programme during the 'Red Stripe Journey to Germany, Buy A Beer For the Boys' campaign.

In addition to the sponsorship, the company, which has rebranded its title under the new slogan 'Live Red' will also turn its attention to patrons at the National Stadium in an attempt to bring the excitement back to the game. From entrance to exit, pre-game to half-time show, Red Stripe beer will be a part of the fan's experience.
Wayne Lawrence, marketing director at Red Stripe, said that the support further shows his company's commitment to develop the football programme.

He said: "We are passionate about football and as the number one fan we have been faithful in our commitment over the years to the development of Jamaica's football programs. By involving ourselves from the beginning of this journey, we 'Don't Just Live, we Live Red.' We will bring the passion and pride back to the World Cup campaign. Part of living red is reminding Jamaicans that creating and inspiring passion in everything that we do is important."

According to Carlo Redwood, marketing manager for Red Stripe, "our Live Red events are just an indication of what's in store for the stadium. We know that our consumers are vitalized by dynamite entertainment, invigorated by a thrilling competition and feel satisfaction when our boyz win. Our involvement further embodies that Living Red means, it's about ambition, determination, courage, optimism and zeal, all qualities that the Reggae Boyz need to get them to Africa in 2010 and we will be there to see it."

Crenston Boxhill, president of the JFF, believes that the involvement of Red Stripe comes at a good time.
Boxhill said: "The Red Stripe sponsorship is a major boost for the Federation and the national programme and comes at the perfect time. The Federation is particularly excited about the high energy approach being taken by Red Stripe in building fan participation and support for the 'Back To Africa Campaign'. With this sponsorship all stakeholders in the programme can expect an exciting and positive period for football."

He further added that "it continues a strong partnership that has spanned the previous World Cup qualifications, the Red Stripe Champions Cup and the Red Stripe Light Beach football competition."

By Melton Williams

With less than 100 days to go before the start of the biggest sporting event in the Caribbean and the third largest sporting event - the ICC Cricket World Cup, Jamaica's preparation is progressing smoothly.

This was revealed by Robert Bryan, executive director of Jamaica Local Organizing Committee at a press briefing at Jampro's training room.

The World Cup will be played in eight territories in the region, each receiving different packages. Jamaica was granted the Yellow Package and will host the Opening Ceremony, one semi-final game and six first round matches. The seven games in Jamaica will be played at Sabina Park. All territories must be ready for handing over to the ICC Cricket World Cup, three weeks before the start of the event.
Jamaica was mandated to construct and refurbish two stadiums and following a recent ICC Venue Tour, the island was giving passing grades.

Bryan said 'this obviously was confirmed by the comments and assessment of the CWC and ICC tour officials. We however are very mindful that with less than 100 days before the start of the events here in Jamaica there is still a lot to be done. We must avoid complacency and stay focused on the job at hand. There is absolutely no doubt that our stadiums will be completed on time for handing over to the ICC CWC 21 days before the start of the event."

Bryan also said that the LOC has cemented agreement with other critical sites for the venue operation at Sabina Park. These include Emmett Park, the Holy Trinity School grounds and the lands to locate the search park on South Camp Road. He noted that the LOC should take possession of Emmett Park from December 1.

The other areas of preparation are also progressing at a good pace according to Bryan. The Volunteer Programme has received over 2000 applications; the Sunset Legislation was passed thereby establishing the legal framework for the hosting of the event, the Transportation Plan is being finalised, having received assistance from the United States Department of Transport. This was arranged by the assistance of the USAID office here in Jamaica.

He also noted that the Park and Ride locations have been secured with the exception of the National Heroes' Park. A medical master plan has been developed and approved by the ICC.

Bryan said "We are still trying to negotiate an affordable fee with the National Solid Waste Management Authority. The LOC is presently out to tender for the supply of the required transport services."
Bryan further noted that the ICC CWC 2007 needs to be marketed and promoted internationally more aggressively than now appears to be the case.

He said "for our part here in Jamaica and within that context we have developed in association with the Jamaica Tourist Board an extensive programme.

"This programme focuses on three areas - firstly, the normal destination marketing of the board which successful bring two million tourists per year to Jamaica; secondly, on opening new market opportunities arising from Cricket World Cup, Ireland and India and thirdly, the Jamaican Diaspora.

He said that the LOC feels that Jamaican Diaspora needs to also take ownership of the event and as an integral part of the host nation see it as their responsibility to come home and help Jamaica host the event in the best possible way.

By Melton Williams

Delroy Taylor, the project officer for the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup 2007 is not happy with the purchasing of tickets by Caribbean cricket fans.

The second phase of public ticketing will close on Thursday, November 30 and with three months to go before the Opening Ceremony on March 11, 2007 --- ticket sales have been described by Mr Taylor as 'moderate'. Mr Taylor added that the poor ticket sale is as a result of misunderstanding regarding the price for tickets.
He said: "What we have found out is that the tickets for matches that
involved West Indies are going a lot better.

"We have learnt that Jamaica and Caribbean persons on a whole have not come to the party in the number that we have anticipated. I guess that is due to a couple of things, one of them is that there is a massive degree of misconception, misunderstanding regarding to ticket prices. People are saying that the tickets are priced at US$300.
Checks revealed that ticket price ranges from a high of US$120 to a low of US$15.

To witness the Opening Ceremony, which will be held at the Greenfield
Stadium in Trelawny (north-western Jamaica), cricket fans will have to fork out US$120 for a category one seat. A category two seat will cost US$80, while US$50 will be charged for a category three seat.
Ticket sale will be closed between December 1 and January 2007, during this time specific seats will be assigned to all purchasers.
The third phase is where persons can buy tickets even on match days, but this is only if tickets are available. Ticket offices will be set-up in and outside of the stadiums. Each person can apply for a maximum of four tickets per match, and two persons from one household can apply. Mr Taylor is urging cricket fans to support the Opening Ceremony against the background that it will be a world-class experience.

He said, "the opening ceremony for all major events is really the spectacle, the starting point and something that everyone look forward to and they should look forward to this one.
"This is the largest event that has ever to come to the Caribbean shores and this in itself is an experience. Person in Jamaica, person across the Caribbean must realise that everyone has a part to play in this event and maybe your part is as a supporter or maybe your part is just giving correct information to persons and encouraging people to be a part of it."

The ICC Cricket World Cup will be played in eight territories in the region, each receiving different packages. Jamaica was granted the Yellow Package and will host the Opening Ceremony, one semi-final game and six first round matches. The seven games in Jamaica will be played at Sabina Park. Barbados (venue for the final), Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Antigua, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis and Grenada are the other host countries for cricket's most prestigious tournament.

Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), through one of its Cricket Legacy initiatives - Caribbean Business Club - announces a new partnership with CricketWorld.com, the No. 1 independent cricket website in the world. The agreement affords CricketWorld.com the designated status of Preferred Sports Media (website and magazine) for Caribbean Business Club and covers joint marketing efforts that are expected to increase Club presence in international markets, specifically so in the cricket loving nations of the UK, India, Australia and South Africa.

This aligns perfectly with JAMPRO's goal to increasingly diversify the mix of trade and investment markets for Jamaica as these countries all boast strongly performing economies, and it also dovetails nicely with Caribbean Business Club's main objective to effectively network Caribbean business with international trade and investment contacts.

Cricket World CEO, Steve Whatley, is delighted to be working with the Caribbean Business Club and says "It is an exciting time for cricket in the Caribbean as over the next 6 months, 180 cricket playing countries will be focused on the Caribbean in the run-up to, and during, the ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies 2007. He thinks it "is a great opportunity for businesses, and the region, to promote themselves globally during this period, for inward investment, services and tourism." As part of the Joint Marketing Agreement, Cricket World® will be assisting the Caribbean Business Club with their 'Business Matching' service and inward investment programme" Steve Whatley added, "as well as promoting the Caribbean as a whole."

JAMPRO Acting President, Sancia Bennett-Templer, is also enthusiastic about the partnership. She believes that "the expansive reach of Cricket World® will prove to be a powerful marketing vehicle for introducing Caribbean Business Club to new and emerging markets" and expects "positive, mutually beneficial outcomes for both parties." Caribbean Business Club, Operations Manager, Matthew Lyn, sees the partnership as "the perfect entree to a captive audience via a credible source." It is the Club's view that there are no boundaries to where you talk business and so it is expected that many influential businessmen and women who are also avid cricketers will mix business with pleasure during CWC 2007.

In keeping with its general mandate to promote and facilitate investment and export development in targeted areas, JAMPRO developed a Legacy Strategy in 2005 that seeks to accelerate trade and investment outcomes likely to arise from the hosting of mega sports events such as the ICC CWC 2007. Similar strategies employed in Syndey, Australia and Atlanta, Georgia proved to effect positive change on business development, trade and investment.

Caribbean Business Club was launched in April 2006, as one initiative of JAMPRO’s Legacy Strategy designed to accelerate trade and investment outcomes. Members gain access to business matching services, networking opportunities and clubhouse facilities. Other JAMPRO initiatives include the Caribbean Business Opportunity Service, the Jamaica Investment Attractions Programme, the Creative Industries Project and the Major Events Attractions Porgramme.

Cricket World® magazine was founded and first published in 1987 and has grown to become a major recognised title in the UK, achieving a circulation of over 150,000 copies per annum throughout the 1990's. Since that time it has developed its editorial coverage to encompass cricket from International Test and One Day International's to club and youth cricket, and special features on Health, Lifestyle and Travel.

In 1996, Cricket World® launched www.cricketworld.com as its online website and it has since become a global brand, with up to 3 million users per month on the Cricket World® Group of websites. Spring 2002 saw the re-launch of Cricket World® magazine as a glossy quarterly publication and also the online launch of www.cricdirect.com as an online product directory, search engine and business to consumer service.

By: Melton Williams

For the second year running, Christopher Gayle, Jamaica's most prolific run-scorer of recent times, copped the distinguished Cricketer of the Year award in his native homeland at the Jamaica Cricket Association's (JCA's) Annual Award Ceremony held on Thursday night at the Courtleigh Auditorium.

The in-form West Indies opener was not present to collect his award as he is currently in Pakistan where West Indies and the host country are competing in a three-match Test series and five One Day Internationals.

Gayle was also absent last year, this time he was suffering from a bout of influenza. Dudley Gayle, the father of Chris, accepted the award, jointly sponsored by the JCA and Restaurant of Jamaica along with a cash prize of $100,000.

The 27-year-old Gayle was the runaway winner of the recently-concluded ICC Champions Trophy 2006 player of the tournament. The opening batsman was comfortably the leading run-scorer in the tournament with 474 runs at an average of 79.00 and a strike-rate of 92.94 runs per hundred balls. He scored three hundreds in the tournament, against Bangladesh, England and South Africa. He also took four catches and captured eight wickets with his off-spin, a mark only bettered by Jerome Taylor (13 wickets) among his team mates.

Other major awards went to Taylor, who was voted 'Young West Indies Cricketer of the Year; Dexter Augustus of Manchester Cricket Association received the Newton Jacks Trophy for Scorer of the Year; Gareth Breese (the Laurie Williams Trophy for the most disciplined Jamaica senior player); David Bernard Sr (the Derief Taylor Trophy for Coach of the Year) and photographer Headley 'Dellmar' Samuels (The President's Award).

Lorenzo Ingram of Trelawny walked away with six awards including Most Runs in the Supreme Ventures Super Cup, Top All-Rounder and the G. Roy Williams Trophy for the Most Disciplined Player.

By: Melton Williams

IAAF Female Athlete of the Year, Sanya Richards is relaxing in her native homeland Jamaica after she received the prestigious award along with a cheque for US$100,000 at the 2006 World Athletics Gala in Monaco on Sunday, November 12.

Richards, who will depart the island on Monday, said that her mission for 2007 is to win the gold medal in the 400 metres at the World Championship in Osaka, Japan .

The 21-year-old took 15 straight victories at 400m including breaking the 22-year-old American record with 48.70 to become the seventh fastest woman of all-time.

Although fresh from breaking the record, Richards said that the world record of 47.60 seconds held by Germany's Marita Koch is not in her reach at the moment.

Richards said: "It's not one of my targets for next year but I will attempt the record before I end my career, probably over the next four years or so. However, I'm hoping to challenge Marie-Jose' Perec's time of 48.2 next season."

Commenting on winning the award Richards said that "I was so excited when I found out that I was the Athlete of the Year. This is more than just the icing on the cake. Can I believe it?

"Yes and No. I have worked very hard this year; at the beginning of the season one of my main objectives was to be the 2006 Athlete of the Year but I knew it was going to be hard, with for instance someone like Yelena Isinbayeva who's been dominating the Pole Vault. Thank God I managed to remain on top and get this award," she told YardFlex.com.

She recalled her favourite memories for the year were breaking the American record at the very last meeting of the season and winning in Berlin to remain undefeated in all six meetings of the Golden League.

Jamaican world 100-metre record holder Asafa Powell returned home on Monday night after he was awarded the title of 2006 World Athletes of the Year along with a cheque for US$100,000 at the prestigious 2006 World Athletics Gala in the Salle des Etoiles of the Sporting Club d'Ete', Monte-Carlo on Sunday.

The annual global awards ceremony for athletics was hosted by International Athletic Foundation (IAF) Honorary President HSM Prince Albert II of Monaco and IAF and IAAF President Lamine Diack, in the presence of 600 distinguished guests.

Powell, who this year won a share of the IAAF Golden League Jackpot, sped to a record (12) sub-10 second clockings for 100m including twice equaling his own World Record (9.77).

Powell said that he went after the award this year after injury had grounded him in 2005.

He said: "last year I wanted to win this title but I didn't because I got injured. This year I worked hard and I'm thankful to get this award. It is a major accomplishment to realize that people recognize the hard work that I put in the sport and they actually vote for me. Next year, I'll work even harder and hopefully win the World title.
"Zurich is definitely the best memory of my 2006 season. It's a race that I won't forget. Brussels is also another good moment, I know it would have been another World record if I hadn't had such a bad start."

Meanwhile, Jamaican-born Sanya Richards, who took the title among the females is expected in the island before the end of the week.
Richards, now competing for the U.S.A., also won a share of the Golden League Jackpot. She took 15 straight victories at 400m including breaking the 22-year-old American record with 48.70 to become the seventh fastest woman of all-time.