KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC ) – One of Jamaica’s greatest ever athletic coaches, Stephen ‘Franno’ Francis was laid to rest on Saturday last in an emotional service at the National Indoor Sports Centre.
Francis, founder of the renowned MVP Track Club, passed away on July 4, one day after celebrating his 64th birthday.
During the service that was attended by family members, friends, colleagues, athletes and political figures, Francis was remembered as a man that made an outstanding contribution to athletics not only in Jamaica, but internationally.
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange described Francis as “no ordinary man” and hailed him as a figure who redefined excellence in track and field.
“We say farewell to a man whose mind power gave him the ability and focus to shape actions, feelings, and results. He possessed an extraordinary vision backed up by a fixity of purpose and complete confidence that what he was doing would bring the results that he envisioned,” Grange said.
“He was no ordinary man. Franno was no ordinary man. In fact, he was among the most brilliant Jamaicans in any field.”
One of the most emotional tributes came from former 100m world record holder Asafa Powell, who broke down in tears during his address and needed the assistance of Brigitte Foster-Hylton to complete it.
Powell said Francis was a role model throughout his years under his tutelage.
“Today, I’m not here as a former world record holder or an Olympian. I’m standing here as that little country boy whose life was changed by one man.
“In 2001, at the Boys’ and Girls’ Championships, I false started in the finals and was disqualified. I went back to my high school with no idea what the future would be. Then one day, Paul Francis showed up at my school,” Powell remembered.
“…Coach became more than just a coach; he was another father. I remember his old Proton Saga leaking transmission oil and I always think I’m a mechanic, so on a daily basis, I would take it to top up the transmission oil for him.
“It seemed like a small thing back then but now, it feels priceless. He invested in every part of us,” he added