GC Foster life story told

Photo: Mrs Diane Shaw, granddaughter of the late GC Foster signs a copy of the autobiography of her grandfather for Jamaican speedster and former World 100m champion Yohan Blake at the launch of the book ‘Remembering GC Foster’. The launch took place last Thursday at the Football Factory in St. Andrew. Looking on is Nicki Ziadie, the daughter of Mrs. Shaw.

After eighteen years of dedication, writing, editing and printing, GC Foster’s life story is now in print.  His granddaughter Diane Show wrote his autobiography to honour her beloved grandfather who she believed had made a great contribution to track and field in Jamaica.  Her decision to write the book was taken in October 1995 when he was inducted into the Jamaican Sports Hall of Fame post humus. She collected the award on his behalf alongside the other inductees.  They were Lindy Delapenha, Donald Quarrie, Dr. Cynthia Thompson and Dudley Smith.

The launch was held on Wednesday evening at Football Factory in Kingston, in front of a very appreciative crowd which included, book editor Arnold Bertram, former sports minister the Hon. Babsy Grange, immediate past president of Netball Jamaica Marva Bernard, Dickie Crawford and Churchhill Neita and Howard Hamilton (former public defender) who were coached by GC Foster, president of JOA Mike Fennell, former vice principal of GC Foster College Edwin Murray, former Jamaica athlete Jermaine Mason and World Champion Yohan Blake, among others.

She presented copies of the book to several persons and organizations who contributed to the cost of producing the book.  These included JOA, CHASE, Leighton Sasso (her brother), Barclay Ewart (his daughter collected on his behalf).  She also presented the book to  Babsy Grange, Dickie Crawford, Churchill Neita and others.

Bertram, the editor gave an entertaining presentation on GC Foster stemming from the time when he took the boat to England to compete in the 1908 Olympics but was refused because Jamaica was not a signatory to IOC at the time, to his competitive days and subsequently a coach to many schools and the national team.  He was also very good at cricket and played at the senior level.  He coached among other schools KC, Wolmers, Calablar and JC who all won Champs under his tutelage.

Dickie Crawford also told stories about GC Foster and the great motivator that he was as well as the fact that well into his sixties, he rode his bike to several schools daily to coach student athletes.

According to Shaw the book also details GC Foster’s coaching methodology and the fact that he provided massage services to his athletes as well as his recommendations for the continued development of the sport.