BOTH THE young and old were well represented during yesterday's awards presentation of the 60th annual Jamaica Library Service National Reading Competition.

Seventy-six-year-old Eugenia Gordon was awarded a special prize for being one of the oldest persons to enter the competition, while eight-year-old Shamoy Card came out on top as national champion in the six-eight year old category.

Gordon, who is from St Thomas, placed second overall for that parish.

The senior citizen told The Gleaner yesterday that she has been an avid reader since she was just a child.

"I used to join the library when I was much younger. When I heard of the competition, I didn't even know that a prize was involved. I just entered because I like to read," she said.

enjoys reading

Gordon, who is an active member of the Port Maria Apostolic Seventh-day Church of God, said, she enjoys reading for her congregation during church services.

"I used to read for my children and grandchildren a lot and tell them old-time stories," she said.

Card, a student of the Aenon Town All-Age School in Clarendon, said she was "overjoyed and thankful" for being selected the national champion for her age group.

"I love reading and after this I am going to read even more," she said.

Card said her favourite book is Sneezing Powder by Enid Bylton.

Other national champions who were awarded during yesterday's presentation were Zarah Williams for the nine-11 age group, Chris-Ann Thomas (12-14), Shantal Bailey (15-20) and Simone Stephenson (21 and over).