It’s lights, camera, action, tonight at the Sports Man and Woman of the year awards ceremony at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, tentatively set for 7:00 pm. The awards founded in 1961, by organizers Carreras Sports Foundation selects candidates based on achievements at international and national meets during the year.

The 44th edition of Carreras Sportsman and Sportswoman of the year awards, will feature winners and runners-up taking home $300,000 and $150,000, respectively. Leaders in the nominations are Danny McFarlane for the men’s and Veronica Campbell in the women’s category.

Merlene Ottey

Over the 44 years history of the awards, Jamaica sprint queen Merlene Ottey has won the most; a total of 13, for the women’s category and Michael Mccallum 7 for the men’s.

Mike McCallum

In addition to category awards, the Carreras foundation will also be presenting certificates of merit to organisations or persons who have contributed significantly to the advancement, promotion and support (cash or kind) of a sport or sports outside of the area of physical participation as a competitor.

Nominees for 2004

MEN

Michael Blackwood    Athletics

James Beckford         Athletics

Davian Clarke           Athletics

Chris Gayle               Cricket

Marlon King              Football          

Germaine Mason       Athletics

Danny McFarlane      Athletics                      

Asafa Powell             Athletics                      

Brandon Simpson      Athletics 

Maurice Wignall        Athletics          

Glen Johnson            Boxing

WOMEN

Alia Atkinson                Swimming

Aleen Bailey                 Athletics

Veronica Campbell        Athletics

Simone Edwards            Basketball

Lacena Golding-Clarke   Athletics

Nigella Saunders            Badminton

Sherone Simpson           Athletics

Trecia-Kaye Smith          Athletics