Sports Education is the focus of the collaboration between Centenary University, New Jersey USA and GC Foster College of Physical Education and Sport based in Jamaica. The collaboration will feature a Track & Field Coaching 2.0 Certification program being offered this April – June for enrollment in the USA.
This program will see the two educational institutions expand certificate offerings also on other sporting disciplines. The format is in-person and online. Special events like conferences and symposiums will also be part of the agreement.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed mid March by Centenary University’s first African American President, Dr. Dale Caldwell along with the G. C. Foster College Physical Education & Sport, Principal - Mr. Maurice Wilson, OD.
Both leaders were elated at the partnership being sealed and Dr Caldwell said, “this unique partnership broadens Centenary University’s presence in international markets and creates extraordinary opportunities for students at both institutions.” He went on to add that “it also opens the door for potential new NCAA Division III athletic programs at Centenary, including men’s and women’s track and field.”
GC Foster College Principal, Maurice Wilson expressed his appreciation and noted that “The College is continuing on his pathway to developing the best of Jamaica with sport education as one of its core focus. This partnership is a step in the right direction and we know the impact it will create. We are pleased that Centenary is on board with us and we welcome the broadening of our reach and scope of work.”
“The choice to go with Track and Field first, was a no-brainer.” both leaders of the institutions agreed.
The online proceeding was witnessed by a cross section of officials from both institutions.
Managing Director of PPIVOTT, O’Neil Walters is responsible for bringing the two institutions together and he also was online to witness the signing of the MOU.
Walters said, “We are proud of this intercultural partnership in sports education that represents first step action within the broad mission of the brand” said O’Neil Walters, Managing Partner, PPIVOTT. “As we embark on creating brand identity solutions to uplift our people (talents) in key the areas of sports, entertainment and the arts, we will be conducting Jamaica’s first Peak Performance Summit in June 2024 to coincide with the end of the first Track & Field Certification program.”
Shiann Salmon returns to her roots to rediscover her best with stunning win in Zurich
Jamaica’s Shiann Salmon has rediscovered her best form after returning to train at home, and it’s paying off in spectacular fashion. Salmon, who has been a consistent force in the 400m hurdles this season, clocked a lifetime best of 52.97 seconds to win her first-ever Diamond League race in Zurich last Friday. This remarkable achievement not only secured her spot among the elite but also marked a significant personal milestone, as she became just the fifth Jamaican woman in history to break the 53-second barrier in the event.
After graduating from Hydel High and spending a year at GC Foster College, Salmon ventured overseas to train with Tonja Buford, a US Olympic medalist turned coach. However, after a few seasons in the United States, Salmon felt the American environment was making her "soft" and unmotivated, which led to her bold decision last season to return to Jamaica to train under renowned coach Maurice Wilson at the Sprintec Track Club.
“I don’t feel as if I ever needed to ‘justify’ doing something that I felt was for my best interest. However, I felt like the American lifestyle/system was never meant for me. I think I got a bit complacent and soft, so I returned to my roots,” Salmon explained.
That decision has clearly paid off. Salmon has shown remarkable consistency this season, first setting a lifetime best of 53.13 in the Olympic final in Paris and consistently racing close to that mark in the lead-up to Zurich. But in Zurich, she finally broke through the elusive 53-second barrier, achieving her goal for the season.
“I was thrilled. My overall aim for the remainder of the season was to break the 53 seconds barrier, so I was beyond happy when I realized that I had done so,” Salmon said. “I’m currently the fifth Jamaican woman to do so. I feel exhilarated, top 5 all-time is a big accomplishment and I’m grateful.”
Reflecting on her performances before Zurich, Salmon felt her breakthrough was imminent. “Yes, I definitely felt it coming. My body is now used to running low 53s. My coach and I already predicted it, it was just a matter of me executing the races properly,” she shared.
Only four other Jamaican women—Deon Hemmings, Melaine Walker, Kaliese Spencer, and Rushell Clayton—have ever broken the 53-second mark in the 400m hurdles. Now, Salmon joins that exclusive club, cementing her status as one of the best in the world.
Looking ahead, Salmon is focused on finishing her season on a high. She will contest the Diamond League final in Brussels, with her sights set on another sub-53 performance. “My ultimate aim is to finish the season with another 52 performance. Anything else that comes with that is a bonus,” Salmon concluded.
With her decision to return to Jamaica proving to be the right move, Salmon’s resurgence has her poised to continue breaking barriers and reaching new heights in the 400m hurdles.
Brendon Rodney: From Olympic gold to nurturing the next generation at G.C. Foster College
Brendon Rodney, fresh off his gold medal triumph as part of Canada’s 4x100m relay team at the Paris 2024 Olympics, is set to embark on a new chapter that bridges his illustrious sprinting career with his passion for education and athlete development. The Toronto-born sprinter, whose parents hail from Jamaica, has been appointed as the Assistant Athletics Director at G.C. Foster College of Sport in Spanish Town, Jamaica—a role that not only brings him closer to his roots but also allows him to shape the future of athletics on the island.
For Rodney, this appointment is more than just a job; it’s a homecoming. Although he’s represented Canada on the world stage, including winning an Olympic silver medal at Tokyo 2020 and a world championship gold in 2022, Rodney has always maintained a deep connection to Jamaica. Training on the island under the watchful eye of Maurice Wilson, a veteran coach with a storied history at the Olympics and World Championships, Rodney has experienced first-hand the rich athletic culture that Jamaica is known for.
But Rodney’s connection to Jamaica extends beyond the track. Over the past year, he’s not only honed his speed and technique on Jamaican soil, but he’s also immersed himself in the academic community at G.C. Foster College, teaching courses and sharing his expertise with the next generation of athletes. His involvement with the college deepened further when he partnered with the Canadian High Commission in Kingston to launch the Brendon Rodney Foundation, providing scholarships to deserving students—a testament to his commitment to education and empowerment.
In his new role at G.C. Foster, Rodney is poised to leverage his experiences as an elite athlete and his academic background—a master’s degree in exercise science from Long Island University—to elevate the college’s athletics program. His responsibilities will be far-reaching: from overseeing the development of student-athletes to ensuring that the college’s sports teams, coaches, and facilities meet international standards. Perhaps most importantly, Rodney will play a key role in recruiting talent and managing the disbursement of scholarships, helping to provide opportunities for young athletes to thrive.
"G.C. Foster has been more than just a training ground for me; it’s become a part of who I am as an athlete and a mentor," Rodney shared, reflecting on his journey. "I’m excited to take on this role and to give back to the community that has supported me throughout my career."
Rodney’s journey from the Olympic podium to the halls of G.C. Foster College is a powerful narrative of full-circle fulfillment. It underscores the importance of investing in the next generation and the profound impact that athletes can have when they transition from competition to mentorship. His presence at G.C. Foster is not just about enhancing the college’s reputation but about instilling a sense of possibility and ambition in young athletes who aspire to follow in his footsteps.
As Rodney takes on this leadership role, he carries with him the hopes of nurturing the next wave of Jamaican and Caribbean athletes, ensuring that the legacy of excellence he has contributed to on the track continues to thrive off it as well. The transition from sprinter to educator and administrator is a testament to his dedication, not just to his sport, but to the broader community that has always been part of his journey.
Barbados boys and Jamaica girls crowned champions at 2024 CAZOVA U19 Championships
Barbados and Jamaica emerged as the champions in the boys' and girls' divisions, respectively, as the curtains came down on the 2024 CAZOVA U19 Boys and Girls Zonal Championships at the GC Foster College in St. Catherine, Jamaica, on Sunday.
In a thrilling boys' final, Barbados demonstrated remarkable resilience by coming from two sets down to defeat Trinidad and Tobago. The Barbadian boys showcased their fighting spirit and strategic prowess, eventually securing the championship with a 20-25, 24-26, 25-21, 25-22, 15-12 victory. Barbados earned their place in the final by overcoming the hosts, Jamaica, in straight sets (25-20, 25-21, 25-13) in the semi-finals.
On the girls' side, hosts Jamaica claimed the championship title with an impressive performance against Trinidad and Tobago. The Jamaican girls won the final in four sets, 25-21, 25-23, 24-26, 25-14, showcasing their dominance and skill throughout the tournament.
Jamaica’s boys finished fourth after a hard-fought match against the US Virgin Islands (USVI) in the playoff for third place. In an enthralling encounter, USVI edged out Jamaica 19-25, 25-23, 22-25, 25-16, 15-9. However, the USVI girls' team was not as fortunate, as they were defeated by Barbados in straight sets (25-19, 25-22, 25-23) in a keenly contested match.
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