The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) president, Garth Gayle, expressed his gratitude and satisfaction following the announcement of financial assistance for the country’s senior athletes.
These athletes, who qualify for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, will receive support from the Government of Jamaica.
At a press conference held at the JAAA conference room on Tremaine Road, Minister of Sport Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange revealed that each athlete selected for the Olympic team will be granted $360,000 to aid in their preparation. This announcement comes just three days before the JAAA Puma National Junior and Senior Championships, which will take place over four days starting Thursday.
Gayle expressed his appreciation, stating, “Once again the Government of Jamaica, through the Ministry of Sport, has come forward to assist our athletes with their preparation for the Olympics. This will definitely go a far way with their preparation and I am very thankful and grateful for this kind gesture.”
A record 680 athletes
The upcoming championships will feature a record 680 athletes competing for spots on the national teams. Junior athletes will vie for positions on the team heading to the World Under-20 Championships in Lima, Peru, from August 27-31.
A significant scheduling adjustment was also announced for the championships. The men’s 400 metres will now have only three rounds, starting with the first round on Thursday at 10:00 a.m., followed by the semi-final at 6:50 p.m. the same day, and the final on Friday at 8:50 p.m. This change aims to provide the 400-metre athletes adequate rest before making a final attempt to qualify for the men’s 4×400-metre relay at the Olympic Games. The relay is set to commence at 8:05 p.m. on Sunday’s final day.
Thursday’s schedule includes five finals: the girls’ under-20 discus, girls’ under-20 triple and long jumps, the women’s high jump, and the men’s 5000 metres.
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