KINGSTON, Jamaica – Sport Minister Olivia Grange has announced that a new government scholarship will be named for the late track and field coach, Stephen Francis.

The legendary track and field coach passed away on July 4, one day after his 63rd birthday.

READ: Stephen Francis, legendary Jamaican track coach, has died

The Minister made the announcement on Saturday at the Thanksgiving Service of Francis at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston.

Minister Grange said Francis, affectionately known as Franno, was “among the most brilliant Jamaicans in any field” and that he used his “mind power to shape actions and results.”

The Minister said Francis “helped to shape athletes and contributed significantly to Jamaica’s remarkable place in world athletics.” She said his contribution must never be forgotten.

“The Government will have discussions with UTech and with Paul [Francis, Stephen’s brother] to see how we can ensure that there is a lasting tribute to Franno. And we are going to be offering a scholarship to a student athlete at the University of Technology. Those details we will announce at a later date,” said Grange.

Francis was Head Coach at the University of Technology (UTech) for 17 years where he was credited with establishing the University as the ‘home of world class athletes’. He was also the leader of the MVP Track Club that trained many of Jamaica’s athletics champions including Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce, Asafa Powell, Elaine Thompson Herah, Shericka Jackson, Brigitte Foster Hylton, Kishane Thompson, and many others from across the world.