jamarchThe Union of Jamaica Alumni Associations (USA), Inc., (UJAA) will honor one of Jamaica’s and the Diaspora’s finest coaches, Dalton Evans; UJAA’s past president Mr. Anton Tomlinson, as well as a number of other individuals, at the association’s upcoming 21st Anniversary Awards Dinner, Saturday, September 10, 2011. The formal affair takes place at 9.00 pm at the majestic Eden Palace Ballroom, located at 420 Flushing Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11205.
The occasion is a significant milestone for UJAA as it marks two decades filled with accomplishing their mandate; that of providing financial support and giving back in tangible ways, to the many educational institutions in Jamaica with which their many member associations are affiliated as well as supporting students in the Diaspora in the pursuit of their educational goals.
Jamaica’s Minister of Education, Andrew Holness, will deliver the keynote address.
Coach Dalton Evans, who is a former athlete, will be duly recognized with the ‘Achievement In Athletics Award,’ for his outstanding contributions to the development of track and field. He currently serves as the overseas liaison for the Jamaica Athletic Administrative Association (JAAA), the former Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association. Coach Evans is a national coach and has traveled in that capacity, to the Olympics, CAC games, Pan Am Games and many other championships. In addition to wearing these many hats he is also the athletic Director of the Pratt Institute located in Brooklyn, New York, and is a coach and advisor to Team Jamaica Bickle.
Mr. Anton Tomlinson will be given a ‘Special Recognition Award,’ for his leadership and vision. Mr. Tomlinson is co-founder of the Union Of Jamaican Alumni Associations USA, Inc., (UJAA) and served as president of the organization from 1997 – 2000. He is also the co-founder of the Manning’s School Past Students Association, New York Chapter and was its president for six years. Mr. Tomlinson is currently the Executive Director of the NAACP’s, New York City, ACT-SO; Academic, Cultural, Technological, Scientific Olympics; an after-school enrichment program for African-American kids. He is a long time member of Team Jamaica Bickle Board of advisors.
Team Jamaica Bickle Founder and CEO, Irwine Clare, Snr., is expressing his profound sense of pride as both Messrs. Evans and Tomlinson, are integral members of the Team Jamaica Bickle operation. “Team Jamaica Bickle is extremely proud of these very accomplished gentlemen. We are stronger because of their invaluable contribution; their sense of patriotic duty and the tremendous expertise and knowledge they bring to our organization. It is individuals like these, who help to make the Diaspora an indomitable force. The entire team Jamaica Bickle group congratulates them. Team Jamaica Bickle has enjoyed solid support from UJAA over the years and we also join in congratulating them on their 21 years of leadership and service to our community.”
All together, UJAA will recognize twenty-one individuals and organizations for exemplary service to our community.
Consul General of Jamaica in New York, Mrs. Geneive Brown Metzger, a member of the first UJAA Executive Committee, will serve as patron of the celebrations which are held every five years.
Media Writer
