THE REGIONAL ATHLETICS fraternity is mourning the loss of one of its own.
Jamaican Lenford G. Levy, director of the Regional Development Centre (RDC) in Puerto Rico, passed away on Wednesday.
According to a release from the RDC, Levy “trained hundreds of athletes and developed courses and seminars that reached more than 2 000 coaches, technical officials and sports administrators. Today, his influence in the Development programme had helped to educate many successful sports professionals. We will certainly miss him in the regional and International Track and Field Scene”.
The British Virgin Islands Athletics Association also expressed sadness at Levy’s passing. He served as a Sports Officer there and helped measure and mark the College Classic Series Course in 1996.
NACAC president Victor Lopez is quoted as saying: “It is a great loss to athletics.
“Levy has been a special friend and someone who has made a great contribution to track and field in the NACAC area. It’s a very sad moment for us and on behalf of NACAC and the IAAF, we extend condolences to his family.”
Barbados’ World Junior long jump champion Akela Jones also shared her thought on Levy on her facebook page earlier this week.
Jones first met Levy at a high jump clinic at the centre in San Juan and was impressed with that he knew several languages.
“This guy has been a mentor, a dad, a man to give opportunities and create pathways for upcoming athletes in the Caribbean! I’m truly inspired by his work and will pass it on to future generations! I know you’ve gone to a better place but you live on as a hero in my heart!” Jones wrote.
President Michael Bascombe also expressed condolences of behalf of the newly formed Caribbean Sports Journalists’ Association (CASJA).
“Levy is a familiar face at track and field; he’ll be greatly missed for his exuberance for excellence on and off the field,” said Bascombe.
“CASJA has forged a unique relationship with the RDC, including the hosting of a regional seminar in San Juan in 2015. We join the athletics fraternity in extending condolences to the Levy family and friends.” (Compiled by Sherrylyn A. Toppin)
