Tony BeccaJAMAICA has a long and rich history in sport and the great sportsmen and sportswomen who have contributed to that history, the governments and the sponsors deserve high praise.
There are others, however, who should also be applauded, and none moreso than the volunteers in sport.
As talented and as generous as Jamaicans are, such magnificent performances as a world record run in the 4x400 relay at the Olympic Games, Olympic gold and silver medals, World Championship gold and silver medals, dazzling and record-breaking performances by Jamaicans representing the West Indies, and world boxing titles probably would not have been possible without the support of volunteers.
Over the years, these people, some of whom excelled as performers, some of whom participated only up to a certain level, some of whom did not, and all of whom love sport, have dedicated their lives to the development of sport and those who play, and although a few have been remembered, too many have been forgotten - including those who have given of their time at great personal sacrifice.
Without them, however, without the time they spent organising, administering, coaching, motivating, seeking funds and generally assisting the growth of sport and the development of those who play, a number of Jamaicans who have become great would have been lost.
The names are many, they are to be found at all levels and right around the country, they are the unsung heroes of sport, and each time we celebrate an outstanding performance by a Jamaican we should remember them.
Once such person is George Prescod.
A Lucas member since 1942, the 78-year-old Prescod captained the club's football and cricket teams, represented Jamaica at football, captained the Jamaica Colts cricket team, and served as the chief executive officer of the Jamaica Cricket Association for eight years up to the end of April.
As proud as he is of his deeds on the field, however, Prescod's contribution to sport as a player, pales in comparison to his contribution in other areas.
Prescod served as secretary of Lucas from 1955 to 1970, as president from 1971 to 1995, and as secretary from 1999 to a few months ago. He also served as a member of the Jamaica Football Association from 1955 to 1974, as a member of the Jamaica Cricket Board of Control from 1960 to 1993, he managed both the Jamaica football and cricket teams on a number of occasions, and as the expert on how to build a cricket pitch, he never said no to anyone from anywhere who requested his assistance.
On top of all that, he was like a godfather to many a young sportsman, like a friend and like a mentor to others.
George Prescod is calling it a day, and he will be missed by those in cricket and football. The big loss, however, will be at Nelson Oval where Lucas must be wondering where they will find another like him.
