Yohan Blake led two other Jamaicans who received National Awards including Ricardo Gardner and Rovman Powell at the National Investiture Ceremony at King’s House on National Heroes Day, Monday, October 20.

The 35 year-old Blake received the highest award, after being conferred with the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander (CD) for contribution to athletics in the area of Track and Field and Philanthropy.

Blake, is the second-fastest male sprinter of all time clocking 9.69 and 19.26 over the 100 and 200m behind the legendary Usain Bolt’s times of 9.58 and 19.19.

Blake at 21 became the youngest 100m champion at the World Athletics Championship in 2011. He would gain two silver at the 2012 Olympic Games in the 100m and 200m behind Usain Bolt.

Meanwhile footballer Gardner was conferred with the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Officer (OD) for contribution to sports, in particular football.

Gardner known as “Bibi” was a part of Jamaica’s historic Reggae Boyz team that qualified for the country’s first appearance at the FIFA World Cup in 1998. He later went on to represent English club Bolton Wanderers with distinction.

Powell has been conferred with the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Officer (OD) for service in the field of sport in particular cricket.

The 32-year-old was captain of the West Indies cricket teams after a stellar career with Jamaica. The right handed batsman who made his debut for the West Indies in 2016, played 177 games in One Day Cricket and 66 T20 matches.

The Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards is a presentation ceremony in which Jamaicans are bestowed honours and awards for their remarkable service.

The Chancery of the Orders of the Societies of Honour in the Office of the Prime Minister is the administrative arm responsible for coordinating this presentation ceremony. The National Honours and Awards Act, promulgated on July 18, 1969, established a framework for recognizing individuals whose exceptional service and contributions have significantly impacted the nation.