After two days or so of torrential rain, a welcome mix of bright sunshine and cool conditions greeted members of the running community who gathered at the head of the Ring Road at The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus on Sunday, November 19 for the start of the CB UWI 5K Scholarship Fund Run/Walk and Smart Eggs Kids K.

The participants eagerly accepted the fair weather throughout the event and the customary post-race activities, paced by “Miss Kitty” who jokingly referred to her recent nuptials — ” I wonder if I should be ‘Mrs Kitty’?”

She led the crowd through the celebrations and presentations, ably supported by Selector ZJ Rush and fitness expert Kurt Anthony Dunn of Body by Kurt.

UWI, Mona Principal Prof Densil Williams, in addition to showing his lighter side as a “Drift dancer”, aided by students, took time to congratulate the participants and all who supported the event, including co-patrons Douglas Orane, Thalia Lyn, Donnette Chin Loy Chang, Olympian Hansle Parchment and emcee ‘Miss Kitty’.

“What you have done here today is to help support national development by allowing needy students to realise the dream of furthering their education,” he told the gathering.

Special honoree, former netballer and coach Connie Francis, told the gathering just how emotional she was at being named as the 2023 recipient, joining past awardees such as Asafa Powell, Glen Mills and Shericka Jackson.

“This means more to me than I can put into words” Francis said.

“As I go into the next phase of my life, I will take this with me as my motivation”.

Francis was joined on stage by netball stalwarts Molly Rhone and Janet Johnson, who were instrumental in her development, especially as a coach.