Jamaica’s double Olympic champion Elaine Thompson says there is a need for more development track meets for young athletes in Jamaica.
Crucial for future of young athletes
Speaking after her victory in 60-metre event at the recently held Queens/Grace Jackson Meet at the National Stadium, Thompson stressed the point that such development meets are crucial for the future of these young athletes.
“The Queens/Grace Jackson meet is very special for our athletes. It’s a starter and we don’t have a lot of development meets in Jamaica,” said Thompson who retained her title as the 60-metres champion, with a time of 7.18 seconds. The annual “Boys’ and Girls’ Champs is early this year, so coming out to this meet is also a great start for our young athletes.”
Held on Saturday, January 27, the Queens/Grace Jackson Meet saw impressive performances from high school athletes from across the island and athletes from the MVP and Racers Track clubs. It is one of the first major track meets on the 2018 JAAA calendar.
Need more investment in track and field
“There is need for more investment in track and field and we definitely want to see more opportunities for our athletes to gain competitive experience in a relaxed environment,” said Nathan Nelms, assistant brand manager for Stouts and Malta at Red Stripe, sponsors of the Queens/Grace Jackson meet. “As a corporate sponsor of several track events, we try to make the meets enticing for athletes on the amateur and professional circuits with creative prizes. It is hoped that more companies will support track and field meets in this way so that Jamaica can continue its legacy of excellence in the sport.”
Malta will also sponsor the Digicel Grand Prix, Youngster Goldsmith Meet, Jamalco Meet, Camperdown Classics, Western Champs, Gibson Relays and the G C Foster Classics this year.
