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Track & Field continues to dominate Jamaica's sporting circle as The Gleaner Company on Monday recognised the contribution of coaches and administrators who have served the sport over the years.

Among the persons recognised with the 'Man of the Year Award' at the 27th annual Gleaner Honour Awards ceremony, which was held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston, were IAAF's Area representative and Council Member Neville 'Teddy' McCook and Mike Fennell, chairman of the Commonwealth Games and president of the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA).

Stephen Francis, Raymond Graham, Maurice Wilson, Glen Mills, Fitz Coleman and Dennis Johnson, along with Fennell and McCook shared the award, which is the biggest Award The Gleaner Company bestowed upon person(s) who have contributed to nation building.

Not to be outdone, world 100m record holder Asafa Powell took the Gleaner's Sportsman of the Year Award. Powell, who equaled his own world record twice this season, won the Commonwealth Games 100m title, and the World Athletics Final 100 to add to his Golden League success, had no competition.

Meanwhile, The Gleaner's editor-in-chief, Garfield Grandison, told the audience that these men worked tirelessly to ensure the best for our athletes. "Through these eight men, we recognise the vast number of coaches and administrators in Jamaica who work tirelessly with our athletes to propel them to sports greatness at every level...a celebration of the best of Jamaica," he said.

For the coaches, Francis was considered for his work with Asafa Powell, Sherone Simpson, who is the top sprinter in the world for 2006, World Championships medallists Michael Frater and Brigitte Foster, national high jump record holder Germaine Mason, former national 400m champion Shericka Williams, among others.

Mills, who has been head coach of several Jamaica teams to Olympic Games, and World Championships, along with individual work he has done with several top athletes including Raymond Stewart, Usain Bolt, Aleen Bailey among others; the same as Coleman who is presently the head coach at the IAAF High Performance Centre and the man responsible for the development of Jermaine Gonzales.

Johnson, who represented Jamaica with distinction and once held the world record for the 100 yards, was awarded for his work as track & field coach.

As for Graham and Wilson, these two gentlemen are the most successful at the junior level. Graham turned out athletes like Melaine Walker, Keron Stewart, and new 'kid on block' Natasha Ruddock while Anneisha Mclaughlin and Sonita Sutherland, along with Schillonie Calvert, still under his guidance are considered three of Wilson's top athletes.

Coleman, who spoke on behalf of the coaches, expressed satisfaction. "We're very grateful for the recognition. It's sometimes easier to pay negative attention to coaches when athletes underperform, so what The Gleaner has done today is no small deed," Coleman rightly stated. "We really appreciate and are grateful for this," he said.