45th MILO Western Relays launch reveals exciting additions and sponsorships
Key Points(5)
- For the first time, discus and shot put will be introduced for all high school levels, both girls and boys, in the throws category.
- Athletes placing from first to fourth will receive cash prizes of $40,000, $20,000, $10,000, and $5,000, respectively.
- Chester McCarthy, athletic director at G C Foster College, was named the patron, while Deandre Daley of Herbert Morrison Technical High School and Alexis James, formerly of Petersfield High School, received recognition as the outstanding junior male and female athletes.
- Jago High School, delivered a well-received presentation on "Intensive Hurdling Technique," providing valuable insights for coaches and athletes.
- The introduction of throws to the meet also garnered appreciation from the coaching community.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->
The launch of the 45th MILO Western Relays took place at the Holy Trinity Church Hall in Westgate, Montego Bay, unveiling exciting new events, increased prize money, and a full day of engaging activities for participants and attendees.
Meet co-founder and organizer, Ray Harvey, made significant announcements about the upcoming event. For the first time, discus and shot put will be introduced for all high school levels, both girls and boys, in the throws category. Additionally, an invitational 60-meter race for clubs and institutions, based on coaches' requests, will return to the schedule, assisting senior-level athletes in preparing for overseas competitions.
Prize money will be awarded to high schools only in specific events, including the 4x100m Class 1, 4x400m Class 1, and 4x800m Open. Athletes placing from first to fourth will receive cash prizes of $40,000, $20,000, $10,000, and $5,000, respectively. Edwin Allen High School topped the earnings last year, receiving $140,000 for their outstanding performance at the event.
The event commences at 10:00 am
The event, commencing at 10:00 am, will feature various exciting competitions, including relays for all classes, hurdles for all levels, field events encompassing long jump, triple jump, and high jump, sprint races (100m, 400m, and 800m), as well as 3000M and 1500M races, with the latter being the first event of the day.
Another significant announcement by Harvey included revealing the patron's name and the outstanding junior male and female awardees. Chester McCarthy, athletic director at G C Foster College, was named the patron, while Deandre Daley of Herbert Morrison Technical High School and Alexis James, formerly of Petersfield High School, received recognition as the outstanding junior male and female athletes. The awards presentation will take place during the opening ceremony on Saturday, February 10, at G C Foster College.
Nekesha Bartholomew-Ramey, representing title sponsor MILO, announced a substantial cash sponsorship of J$4,000,000 for this year's event. MILO's commitment to the event reflects the alignment between the product and the athletes' energy needs, as MILO is considered the champion's choice for a food drink that fuels performance.
MILO scholarship awardee
Bartholome-Ramey commended Coach Andrew Henry of Mount Alvernia for his commendable work with athletes in the west, particularly since becoming a MILO scholarship awardee at G C Foster College in 2007. She urged attendees to the February event to anticipate an exceptional experience, including product sampling with hot and cold MILO, as well as discounted product sales.
The Jamaica Olympic Association's (JOA) president, Chris Samuda, announced the continuation of JOA's sponsorship for the third consecutive year, reinforcing their commitment to the event's success.
The launch event extended beyond formal proceedings, featuring a coach's clinic and informative sessions on nutrition, exercises, and recovery tailored for prep and primary schools, as well as high schools.
Keilando Goburn, coach at St. Jago High School, delivered a well-received presentation on "Intensive Hurdling Technique," providing valuable insights for coaches and athletes. The introduction of throws to the meet also garnered appreciation from the coaching community.
