Lovell inspired many

Highly respected coach Anthony Lovell was today described as a great man who inspired athletes of all ages to aspire for greatness in their disciplines as well as in life.
Such glowing tributes were paid in celebration of the life and work of the former teacher and senior coach at the National Sports Council at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex where Lovell reposed in his casket fittingly carrying a stop watch, a clip board and a baton.
Officials’ tributes seemed to be a relay as Reverend Stephen Gittens, Branston Clarke, Anthony Gabby Carter, Wayne Lovell and Obadele Thompson through his father, Professor Alvin Thompson spoke of the contributions of the late coach.
The green and white of Freedom Striders Track and Field Club which Lovell founded decades ago adorned the hall while the athletes, politicians and sporting officials turned out for the funeral service held at the Wildey Gymnasium.
Following the three hour service where six Methodist reverends, including Philip Saunders who had christened and performed Lovell’s marriage ceremony to his wife Ainley, the revered coach was interred in the churchyard of the Belmont Methodist Church.