Usain Bolt: "The track and field fraternity has lost a man who cared for the sport"
Howard Aris, the President of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association, died Thursday night. He was 75.
Aris, who had a long history of cardiovascular complications, was campaigning with Portia Simpson Miller, the president of the People's National Party, in Port Antonio.
According to a report in The Gleaner, Aris had complained of not feeling well and went into a car to sit. It was there that he was found unconscious. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where efforts to resuscitate him failed.
Aris had a distinguished career of over 30 years at the forefront of sports administration, sports development and planning, management and physical therapy in Jamaica.
He was a former head coach of Kingston College athletics teams including during their 14-year winning streak from 1962 to 1975 of the Jamaica Boys' Championship, and served as a coach and manager on Jamaica's national teams at the World Championships, Commonwealth Games, Pan-American Games and Olympics.
"Howard's passing will be a big loss to the leadership of track and field in Jamaica," Olivia Grange, Jamaica's sports minister, said in a statement. "But not only will his skills, knowledge and administrative capabilities be lost to us but the entire world of track and field will be poorer for his passing. Another great son of Jamaican sports has made his departure."
Among those offering their condolences via social media was world-record-holder Usain Bolt, who Tweeted: "Saddened at the passing of the JAAA President, Mr. Howard Aris... The track and field fraternity has lost a man who cared for the sport," and added, "Always gave me credible advice..May you soul rest in peace."
Source: www.universalsports.com