KINGSTON – The government has announced plans to establish a scholarship for a student-athlete at the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) in honour of late track and field coach Stephen Francis.
Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister Olivia Grange announced the initiative on Saturday during a thanksgiving service celebrating the life of the renowned coach at the National Indoor Sports Centre in St. Andrew.
Francis, affectionately known as “Franno,” died on July 4 following a period of illness. He was 63.
Grange said the government would hold discussions with UTech and Francis’ family to determine the details of the scholarship and ensure there is a lasting tribute to the veteran coach.
“The Government will have discussions with UTech and with Paul [Francis] to see how we can ensure that there is a lasting tribute to Franno,” Grange said.
She said further details would be announced following consultations with the university and Francis’ family.
UTech President Dr. Kevin Brown welcomed the initiative and thanked the government for establishing the scholarship in Francis’ memory.
“We look forward to giving that scholarship to a worthy recipient in the new academic year,” Brown said.
Francis was one of Jamaica’s most influential track and field coaches and played a significant role in developing several of the country’s elite athletes through the Maximising Velocity and Power (MVP) Track Club, helping them achieve success on the international stage. (CMC)
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