Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter

Race horse trainer Billy Williams (left) and Joseph Duany, the owner of a champion horse, with Michael Hall, chairman of the RJR Sports Foundation, at the National Sportsman and Sportswoman Awards ceremony for 2006.

It was like Oscar night with the red carpet, the designer suits and dresses and the photographers working overtime. Except, instead of movie stars, Jamaica's finest sportsmen and sportswomen were the celebrities on show.

The RJR Sports Foundation 46th National Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Awards saw a cadre of Jamaica's competitors in various disciplines swapping the track suits, jerseys or cleats for the special occasion outfit. The Pegasus hotel was abuzz with activity all evening. A patriotic scene of black, green and gold decorated the ballroom, which became a studio as the event was broadcast live.

For such a 'sporty' event, a fellow sportsman would fit the bill. Prime Minister of Grenada, Keith Mitchell, being a cricketer and having responsibility for sports in general in his country, was perfect. Commenting that he knew what it was to sacrifice time and effort to train and compete, he applauded all the nominees. He spoke of the benefits of sports and physical activity in assisting healthy lifestyles and keeping our young people out of trouble.

Jamaica lauded

He lauded Jamaica for its continued excellence on the sport scene and challenged the Local Organising Committee of the Cricket World Cup to put on a good show when we start the proceedings, as Jamaica would be the barometer for the region's success.

"Jamaica has no choice but to ensure that the seeds of organisation and good planning, punctuality, enjoyment and safety are sown then. For if they are not, we are bound to have a sub-standard event," he said.

But this was a night for the award recipients and after the 14 category awards (each category representing a particular sport), it was time for the big announcement. And when the time came, there was no surprise! Asafa Powell and Sherone Simpson came out the big winners. Chris Gayle and Brigitte Foster-Hylton were the respective runners-up. Recently retired athlete Sandie Richards was presented with the chairman's award for her 20 years of service to track and field.

"I have the World Championships coming up in Japan and I'm going there to put on some serious fireworks," Asafa promised in his acceptance speech.

Guests

Guests included category winners Nigella Saunders, Nicholas Walters, Oneil Samuels, Venecia Reid, Delroy Cambridge, Joseph Duany, A.E. 'Billy' Williams, Ronald Brown Jnr., Chris Binnie, Karen Anderson, Peter Moo Young, Yvonne Foster and Damion Johnson. Also in attendance were RJR Sports Foundation members Eugene Ffolkes, Vilma Charlton, Myrtle Weir, Ed Barnes, Dennis Johnson and Allan Wright. Other guests included Don Anderson, Ray Harvey, Clyde Juriedini, Nicholas Ford, Audrey Thompson, Saleem Lazarus, Usain Bolt, Aileen Bailey, Jermaine Gonzales, Billy Wilmot, Winston Dawes, Kathy Rattray, Dr. Aggrey Irons, Ali McNab, Ian Neita, Jason McKay, Stephen Jones, Grace Jackson and Milton Samuda.