Sports
Matthew Thompson Memorial Run
Matthew Thompson,
Matthew (far right) and the JGHS Relay Team at the Penn State
Relays
The Cayman Islands Athletic Association (CIAA) will host the Matthew Thompson Memorial One-Mile Run at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex this Saturday, 25 January.
The run will begin at 7:30 a.m. and everyone is invited to participate. All proceeds will go towards new junior development programmes currently being administered by the CIAA for improved athletic standards.
The event commemorates the life of the late Matthew Anthony Ebanks Thompson, who passed away following a tragic auto accident in 2002. Until then, Matthew enjoyed a successful athletic career representing the Cayman Islands in several local and international competitions including the Penn State Relay Carnival at Pennsylvania State University, the Bay Taf Invitational Classic in Tampa, Florida, and twice at the CARIFTA games.
As a member of the John Gray High School (JGHS) 4x100m. relay team for four years, and as a CIAA national sprinter, Matthew was well liked, respected and admired.
He developed a family-like relationship with his team-mates that his coaches considered a landmark in sportsmanship.
Mr. Kenrick Williams, his CIAA coach remembers Matthew as being very conscious and concerned for the safety of others both on and off the track. Praising Matthew's talent he said: "Matthew was an above-average sprinter. He had the natural ability to be a really great sprinter and he was dedicated to the sport. Whenever there was training, he worked extremely hard at everything that was taught.
"Even though he loved the 100m. and 200m. sprints, he would often participate in the 4x100m. relay, which is great experience for a rising athlete."
Mr. Bernie Bush, CIAA President, added: "Matthew was a well behaved young man and when he was abroad, he was a real ambassador for Cayman."
Among his many achievements, Matthew was awarded the National Sports Award in a pre-graduation ceremony recognizing students in various spheres at JGHS in May, 2002.
Shortly afterwards, he passed away due to complications following nearly three months in a coma.
His tragic loss has left many to mourn, even as it has inspired others to unlock their potential in the sport of track and field.
Information on participating in the Matthew Thompson Memorial Race can be obtained by calling 916-3168 or 926-7307.
Entry forms may also be obtained from National Athletic Coach, Mr. Kenrick Williams, at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p/m.