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Veteran sports administrator, Mr. Howard Aris has run an outstanding marathon of service to the sports fraternity in Jamaica. He died on November 10, 2011.

Mr Aris, who was president of the Jamaica Athletic Administrative Association (JAAA) at the time of his passing, served at various levels in the sports arena, dedicating more than 40 years to the growth and development of sports in Jamaica. 

Undoubtedly, he made his mark in fields including sports administration, sports development and planning, management and physical therapy during his stewardship which also records Jamaica’s most successful performance in track and field, with the nation’s overall medal standing at November 10 – 56 Olympic and 80 World Championship medals.

Representing Jamaica at the highest levels internationally, Mr. Aris who served as President of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Member Federation for Jamaica was also a member of the IAAF school/youth Commission.  

He also served as coach/manager for Jamaica’s team to numerous international track meets including the Olympic Games, the IAAF World Championship, the Commonwealth Games, Pan American Games.

Locally, he was chairman of the Sports Development Foundation (SDF), executive director of the National Council on Sports, a member of CHASE Board and Director of Independence Park Ltd.

In the earlier years Mr. Aris served as head coach of the KingstonCollege athletics teams and saw the institution to its 14-year winning streak from 1962 to 1975 of the Boys’ Championship. He was instrumental in the staging of the Jamaica Invitational Games, which began in 1997 and remains a highly anticipated event on the local sports calendar. 

He had been recognised by the Government of Jamaica with the Order of Distinction (Officer Class) for Contribution to Sports.

Dr. Warren Blake has taken the baton and now heads the JAAA, as it prepares for the London 2012 Olympics.