Jamaica’s bobsledders call on Diaspora for support
Key Points(5)
- Forever inspired by the cult classic “Cool Runnings,” Jamaican bobsledder Seldwyn Morgan hopes to relive the team’s Olympic experience.
- Two two-man teams and a female pair may have replaced the four man squad immortalized in the 1993 movie, but the difficulties remain the same in garnering support for a country not known for winter athletics.
- Pilot Morgan, however, still holds the same dreams for today’s team.
- “For us right now, we’re all-in.
- We just need the sponsorship and the equipment, the mental support from our family and friends back home.
Forever inspired by the cult classic “Cool Runnings,” Jamaican bobsledder Seldwyn Morgan hopes to relive the team’s Olympic experience. Two two-man teams and a female pair may have replaced the four man squad immortalized in the 1993 movie, but the difficulties remain the same in garnering support for a country not known for winter athletics.
Pilot Morgan, however, still holds the same dreams for today’s team.
“For us right now, we’re all-in. We just need the sponsorship and the equipment, the mental support from our family and friends back home. Bobsled is a very expensive sport,” said Morgan, who was competing this past week in North American Cup races at Canada Olympic Park.
Competing in Canada, the team often has to rent its sleds in order to train and compete in competitions, with a new sled costing US$100,000 – a price far out of the reach of the association.
Morgan hopes that a fundraiser in Calgary next year, which will be attended by members of the original team and many of the actors from the popular movie, will help raise the requisite funds. In the meantime, the bobsledder has called for support and more belief in the team.
“If you don’t have the right equipment to work with, it doesn’t matter how good you are,” said Morgan. “You could be the best driver in the world, but if you don’t have the right sled to drive, it would mean nothing. That’s why so many teams have an advantage over us. It’s not that they are stronger or faster. They have better resources.”
