Asafa to receive Chancellor's Medal at gala dinner tonight

BY DANIA BOGLE Observer staff reporter

Saturday, February 04, 2012

TODAY marks a big occasion in the history of the University of Technology (UTech) as it awards the Chancellor's Medal to former 100m world record holder and alum Asafa Powell as well as launches the Dennis Johnson Diaries, the book about the life of the Olympian and founder of the institution's athletics programme at a gala dinner at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel starting at 8:00 pm.

The $10,000 per plate function marks the continuation of the year-long celebration of the athletic success of the university's coined UTech's Road to Olympic Glory.

That celebration, which began in May last year, will culminate with this summer's Olympic Games in London, England.

UTech is known as the home training base of several of the country's top track and field stars, including Powell, the 2009 World Championships 100m hurdles winner Brigitte Foster-Hylton, Olympic Games 100m champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, 400m hurdles winner Melaine Walker, as well as Nesta Carter and Michael Frater who, along with Powell, were members of Jamaica's 2008 Olympics 4x100m relay gold medal winning team.

Johnson started the institution's sporting programme more than three decades ago, the school aws then known as CAST (College of Arts Science and Technology).

The diary, about the life of Johnson, who still holds the world record in the 110 yards, will track his days as a student at Calabar High through his years at Bakersfield College and San Jose University in the United States; his return to Jamaica and starting the Carreras Sports Foundation, and launching UTech's sports programme.

Powell, meantime has over 70 sub-10 second clockings and until 2008, held the 100m world record of 9.72 seconds.

The medal, which is awarded to an individual who has achieved distinction in a field of innovation; served the university with loyalty and distinction; made an outstanding contribution in fields other than those served by the university and achieved eminence and international recognition, will be presented to the sprinter by the Chancellor of the university, former Prime Minister Edward Seaga.

Powell will also receive the Diana Award named in memory and honour of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, and is presented to "young people from across the globe who are committed to helping others and improving their community".

The Diana Award's chief executive, Maggie Turner OBE, will be the keynote speaker at tonight's event.

UTech president professor Errol Morrison told the Observer that many youths have been inspired by Powell.

"In his area of performance we see him as a UTech hero and we really want to recognise him at this time of his career," Morrison said.

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Asafa to receive Chancellor's Medal at gala dinner tonight