McKenley

The official funeral service for Herb McKenley, the man generally regarded as Jamaica's greatest athlete, will take place at the National Arena on Saturday, December 8, starting at 2:00 p.m.

Mr. McKenley will be buried at National Heroes Park.

Olivia Grange, Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, in making the announcement, said that viewing of the body will take place on Friday, December 7, from 10 o'clock in the morning until 3:30 in the afternoon. This will be followed by a wake at the Indoor Sports Centre on Friday night.

Ms. Grange is chairing the inter-ministerial committee responsible for planning the funeral. She said those attending the wake, which will start at 8:30 p.m., will have the opportunity to pay tribute to Mr. McKenley's memory.

The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) has been asked by the minister to coordinate the wake, which will be held in a 'nine-night' setting. The audience will be able to interact with the nine-night groups. "We believe this great Jamaican would have appreciated a real Jamaican traditional send-off," said Marcia Hextall, executive director of the JCDC.

The outstanding runner, sports administrator and coach passed away on Monday night at the age of 85, leaving behind widow, Beverley, and two children.