National Library of Jamaica McKenley hailed as the perfect role model by _HARTLEY ANDERSON and exemplary patriot ... the which mined gold in the 1600 Gleaner Sports Reporter man remained the same metres relay at the 1952 throughout his life," he said. Olympic Games. THE c_onvivial atmosphere Meanwhile, Opposition Not to be out-paced, Laing of which pervaded the Wyndham Leader Edward Seaga in his said: "As one who was part tribute, said it might be diffi­ Ballroom Friday evening epito­ this team, I want to attest to mised the occasion. Tributes cult for the present generation the greatness of this man." poured in like a sustained to fully appreciate the magni­ The Puerto Rico-based shpwer of rain, and through it tude of the accomplishments Agriculturist commended all, flis Excellency, Herb of Herb and his colleagues: McKenley "for sticking with McKenley O.J., C.D., Hon. "They were the beginning of a the sport all his life", adding "is LL.D., Ambassador at Large, contingent of Jamaican ath­ that what Herb has done remained a giant of a mari. letes who won the acclaim of beyond my comprehension." winning the most medals out­ "An Evening with Herb", a In his reply, an over-. side the United States," he gala dinner in tribute to whelmed Herb McKenley reminded. Jamaica's premier Olympian, expressed surprise at the lived up to expectations, as "Herb is gracious, good­ tremendous support the occa-· hundreds of well-wishers - natured, easy to approach, and sion had generated. Often from former team-mates to for­ is the perfect role model for times moved almost to tears, mer rivals; from Ministers of youngsters," he concluded. he modestly said he was very Government to proteges of the. And in keeping with the lucky to have had good exam-· great man - bore testimony to unselfish nature of the man, ples to follow as a youngster, an elegant affair which some the tributes were not confined citing his principal at Calabar say might very well be the to the shores of Jamaica, as as one who was instrumental iR social event of the year. demonstrated by the mess.age the moulding of his life from sent by International Amateur the formative years. Greatest athlete Herb McKenley Athletic Association (IAAF ) Also paying tribute were: President, Primo Nebiola, who Olympians Dennis Johnson, Highlight of the evening was deserving candidate. And extolled the numerous accom­ Vilma Charlton, and Dr . Una the presentation of the through it all, McKenley took plishments of the Jamaican, Morris-Chung; Raymond Diplomatic Passport to, and Sharpe, Sports Editor of the it in typical stride. and who ended by saying the conferring of the award of "Herb has moved with the Jamaica Herald; Jamaica In tracing the early athletics Ambassador-at-Large upon the times". Amateur Athletic Association career of the Olympic legend. man of the moment, Herb OAAA) President Neville 1941, McKenley - known the world since former Prime Helsinki Quartet McCook; former track star ov�r as perhaps the greatest Minister Michael Manley, him­ Dennis Anderson; B.arbata · Similarly, the United States athlete to have ever participat­ self·a sports enthusiast, noted McCalla-Lee; and Lindy­ Track and Field Federation ed in the modern Olympics - the phenomenal improvement Remegino, the An1erican wha: made its contribution by pre­ by Prime Minister P.J. McKenley made in schoolboy pipped McKenley for the goUl senting McKenley with a cita­ Patterson. athletics while representing medal in the 100 metres at tlie tion, fittingly moved by Byron Calabar High School. He sug­ Helsinki Olympics in 1952. Based on the deafening roar was LaBeach, a representative of gested it a sign of things to Masters of Ceremony were from the packed house, and the Olympic Committee. come. Mike Fennell, President of the the words which emanated LaBeach was a reserve for the Yet, according to Manley, Jamaica Olympic Associatio:p from the many, this was a time­ famous Helsinki Quartet "McKenley's real greatness QOA), and former. SPORTS ly honour that could never (McKenley, Arthur Wiat, Les came after his athletics years, Chairman How..-d · s. have happened to a more Laing, and George Rhoden) as men or to the young, coach, .