National badminton coach Lisco Jackson to be interred Oct. 14
Jackson, 53, died September 28 after a long battle with prostate cancer.
He's survived by two daughters.
The Dunrobin High School past student, climbed the ranks to become one of Jamaica's best badminton coaches, a sport he served for more than two decades.
The GC Foster adjunct lecturer was oftentimes selected as head coach of several national teams representing Jamaica at regional and international tournaments.
His reputation was built on being the coach entrusted to expose and teach the sport to hundreds of youth in the inner city under then national badminton president Robert Richards.
“Lisco grew the sport of badminton in the inner-city and will certainly be missed. Condolences to his family and friends,” Richards wrote as news spread rapidly of Jackson’s untimely death.
It was under Jackson's tutelage that countless ghetto youth channeled their energies away from a life of crime and played their way into national selection. He was also instrumental in propelling Haile Selassie High School in becoming a powerhouse in high school competition.
Jackson has been receiving cancer treatment overseas for the past year, but returned to Jamaica on September 26, before suddenly passing two days later.
RJ Campbell, physical education teacher, said of the man who introduced badminton to him: “The badminton society has lost a true legend; coach Lisco Jackson one of the best if not the best… we've lost a true legend but his memories will live on.”
Shawn Forrester, another protégé of Jackson, said his “legacy will continue to live on,” and that “badminton in Jamaica will never be the same.”
One of Jackson's unique attributes was his high level of patience as a coach to go along with an affable persona, which he used to good effect to draw many to the sport.
“Never know I would have played another sport except for basketball, always thought badminton was crap until I went to this man class,” said Phillip Reid “there was no turning back after that. RIP sir my condolences goes out to your family.”
Evonney Armstrong added: “Condolences to the family…. This man have me walk and swing at everything... fell in love with badminton because of him.”
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