OLYMPIC and World Championships relay gold medallist Aleen Bailey, the ‘vibes queen of athletics’, active in her communities of Islington and Barkerswood in St Mary, secured the Courtney Walsh Award for Excellence on Wednesday night at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.

Bailey also walked away with the $500,000 cash prize and a crystal trophy, beating decorated sprint champion Veronica Campbell Brown, international racing driver David Summerbell Jr and chess master Jomo Pitterson.

The 29-year-old Bailey expressed mixed emotions, saying it was “amazing” and that she was “appreciative” of winning from an excellent field of nominees.

“Never give up, stay focused… always be humble in defeat and gracious in victory… and keep supporting all our athletes,” she added, acknowledging on stage that she was nervous.

In an interview, Bailey said her community service meant a lot: “I didn’t grow up with a whole lot and somebody helped me to achieve where I’m at, so I want to create a foundation to help Jamaicans and give them the support that they need to progress where they want to be,” she said.

Bailey said her foundation, which would be launched before 2012, would not focus on just athletes, but would also include regular students as well.

Meanwhile, Campbell Brown, who has given back to her All-Age school and Vere Technical, said she was about to launch a foundation and “an announcement would be made soon”.

Summerbell Jr and Pitterson have also been advocates of their sport, reaching out to drivers with non-racing cars and 4-10-year-old children, respectively.

Chairman of the selection committee Dr Aggrey Irons, in his welcome and opening remarks, gave an indication of the winner of the sixth annual award with the following remark:

“The criteria for the award are stringent. Decisions are not simply taken on the basis of new records, increasing medal counts and winning streaks.

“Great emphasis is placed on character; a high level of integrity; sportmanship; humility; respect of both colleagues and opponents; discipline on and off the field, while attaining outstanding achievement in his or her sport.”

The ceremony was delayed for about an hour as Ambassador Courtney Walsh was involved in a minor car accident.

Walsh, recently inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame at a function in India, was described as a national treasure, along with Usain Bolt, by Prime Minister Bruce Golding, the guest speaker.

He said the 6ft 6in fastbowler who played Test cricket for 17 years, was of the most outstanding sportsmen Jamaica has ever produced.

Also speaking was Wolmer’s footballer Jason Cross.

Chairman of CHASE Fund Phillip Henriques presented certificates to the nominees as CEO of the fund, Billy Heaven, read the citation.

Bailey became the third track and field athlete to receive the Courtney Walsh Award, following one-lap hurdler Deon Hemmings-McCatty (2006) and sprint hurdler Brigitte Foster-Hylton (2009).

Cricketers Jimmy Adams and Nehemiah Perry and netballer Elaine Davis are the other previous winners.