Dear Editor,

Many people in the National Stadium on Saturday could not understand why Kingston College (KC) athletes cried openly after the championship was over. And many could not understand why KC athletes, old boys, and supporters were still in the stadium cheering, flying the flag, and running around the track long after the Calabar athletes and supporters had left, as if KC won the trophy. In fact, a member of the foreign press who could not understand this, and after having it explained to him he made enquiries of how he could do a documentary on KC, because he had never seen anything like this.

KC is the youngest of the boys’ schools in Jamaica, being founded in 1925 by the late great Bishop Gibson. It is only 90 years old, compared to Wolmers at 285 years; Jamaica College, 226 years; St George’s College, 165 years; Munro College, 159 years; Cornwall College, 119 years; and Calabar, 103 years.

In this short life span KC has been the dominant institution, having won the most Champs titles, 31, including a 14-year run. KC has won the Manning Cup many times, joining Jamaica College as five-peat champions; we have had schoolboy cricket supremacy many times, as well as being many-time champions in many other sports. The school also has the most wins in the Schools’ Challenge Quiz.

KC caters to the development of the complete man and mentors young boys in the disciplines of life.

KC has the most structured old boys’ association of all the boys’ schools. The old boys’ association is over 80 years old and boasts chapters in New York, Toronto, Atlanta, Florida, just to name a few. This old boys’ association passes the legacy of pride and history to the young men, causing total transformation in the life of a 12-year-old from the very day he sets foot in the noble institution on the Melbourne Campus. A youngster will be seen wearing his school tie with pride and will defend it to the end. The passion for this noble institution exists nowhere else in Jamaica, neither in the political parties or even the army.

Yes, there is something almost magical when a youngster receives his first school tie and is inducted into the institution. It’s more than just school; it’s a place where young boys grow to become confident responsible men, never flinching during adversity, and never giving up on life, because at an early age he is taught one of the greatest secrets of life how “the brave may fall, but never yield”.

Donovan McLean

Member,

KCOBA, Toronto Chapter

danni-mackie@hotmail.com