KINGSTON, Jamaica — The MVP Track & Field Club is mourning the loss of its co-founder and technical director, Vincent Stephen “Franno” Francis, describing his death as the passing of a visionary coach whose unwavering commitment to excellence transformed the landscape of athletics in Jamaica and inspired generations of athletes.

Francis died late Saturday, a day after celebrating his 64th birthday.

READ: Stephen Francis, legendary Jamaican track coach, has died

In a statement released on Sunday, the club said Francis’ ability to identify and develop talent, combined with his relentless pursuit of excellence and deep belief in the potential of those he coached, helped shape the careers of Olympic and World Championship medal winners, World Record breakers, and numerous other athletes, while establishing a standard of coaching that earned worldwide respect.

“Stephen Francis changed the trajectory of Jamaican athletics for the better. He proved that Jamaican athletes, guided by Jamaican coaches, supported by Jamaican management, and training in Jamaica, could become the very best in the world,” said Bruce James, president of the MVP Track & Field Club.

“His vision, uncompromising pursuit of excellence, and belief in the potential of our athletes transformed not only countless individual careers, but also the standing of Jamaican athletics on the global stage. His legacy will endure for generations,” he continued.

Beyond his accomplishments on the track, the club said Francis will be remembered for his direct, open and honest way of speaking his mind, his extraordinary ability to develop talent, his incisive intellect, and the profound impact he had on the lives and careers of generations of athletes.

The MVP Track & Field Club extended condolences to Francis’ brother, Paul Francis, and other family members and loved ones, and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and sympathy from across Jamaica and the international sporting community.

The club said funeral arrangements and details of a thanksgiving service will be announced at a later date.

In paying its final tribute, the club said Francis leaves an extraordinary legacy that will endure through the achievements of the athletes he guided, the coaches he inspired and the culture of excellence he instilled.

It said his contribution to Jamaica and to the global sport of athletics will never be forgotten.

“His legacy lives on not only in medals won and records broken, but also in the enduring belief that Jamaica could develop the world’s finest athletes right here at home,” the club said.