Jamaican Wins WCOPA Title

Actor and classical singer, 23 year-old Andrew Clark, who hails from St. James, was proclaimed Grand Champion Performer of the World on July 25, at the 12th staging of the World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA), at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Hollywood, Los Angeles.
Mr. Clark, who sang in six categories, won a gold medal for each category, and in acting he was crowned the overall champion.
In an interview with JIS News, Mr. Clark said he felt overwhelmed and blessed to have won the competition and to “represent my country Jamaica.”
“Winning this competition will give me an opportunity to further prepare myself in acting, as well as classical singing and to be an ambassador for my country,” he added.
Congratulating the new champion, Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Anthony Johnson said that, “all Jamaicans at home and abroad are proud of your achievements.”
“As a country we are known worldwide for our music, culture and art, and your exemplary performance at the World Championship of Performing Arts, proves that the size of our country is not a deterrent of strength, but is indeed the function of the human desire to strive for excellence. On behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica, I extend warm congratulations to you,” the Ambassador said.
Mr. Clark was one of 5,000 contestants from 30 countries who participated in this year’s competition.This is the second time that Jamaica is winning the overall championship at the WCOPA. Mr. Clark joins the Strachan sisters who won the overall title in 2003.
Jamaica also gained another award at the competition, with the Meadowbrook United Church Dance Troop, MUZ, winning the Best Junior Dance competition.