Latest update January 19th, 2025 7:10 AM
Latest News
- Exxon, partners walked away with US$15.4B of US$18B revenue generated in 2024
- Oil prices expected to plummet by 10.9% this year
- Netanyahu issues warning ahead of Gaza ceasefire
- State makes application to access bank account Brutus’ salary is deposited in
- Man of unsound mind shot by police after attacking rank with scissors
6th edition of the Boyce & Jefford Classic… Buoyant overseas contingent promises to throw down gauntlet on local counterparts
Athletes from Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and the Bahamas pose for a photo opportunity yesterday with representatives from Sponsors Digicel and Ansa McAl and the Coordinators at Olympic House, Kingston.
It is the first time that most of the international athletes here in Guyana for the Boyce & Jefford Classic are performing on these shores but they have all promised to turn in exceptional performances when they take to the track for the 6th edition of tournament which gets underway at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground, Linden tomorrow afternoon.
Looking well toned and ready for action, several of those athletes appeared at a press conference, hosted by the organizers at the Kingston office of the Guyana Olympic Association, yesterday. Those athletes in attendance were Bahamian, Petra McDonald (100 & 200 meters), Jamaicans, Nicholas Maitland (200 & 400 meters), Seidatha Palmer (100 & 200 meters) and Keno Burrell (400m) and Trinidadians, Dawnel Collymore (800 & 1500 meters) and Ashton Gill (800 & 1500 meters). Most of these runners have done exceptionally on the tracks and have promised to either replicate or better those performances. They are accompanied by a coach from Racers Track Club, Patrick Dawson.
Chairman of the Boyce/Jefford Committee, Colin Boyce and his Co-Founder, Edison Jefford were also at the forum. Mr. Boyce welcomed the athletes to these shores and wished them all the best at the meet. He noted their quality but promised that their local counterparts are well prepared and ready to match their skills. “We do not have the caliber of athletes as (Jamaica) but I must warn you that this is our yard,” he said to a ripple of mirth from the Jamaican. He further admitted that the various records presented by the (foreign) participants were impressive and signals keen competition. Mr. Boyce’s colleague, Edison Jefford, also welcomed the athletes and urged them to have a great time even as they are here for serious competition.
The forum was also graced with the presence of representatives of two of the sponsors of the event. Events and Sponsorship Manager (Digicel), Gavin Hope and Anjeta Hinds of Ansa McAl (Smalta) were also in attendance and both principals welcomed the overseas contingent while extending wishes of good luck to all of the participants. “I am indeed excited in anticipation of the performances on competition days,” said Ms Hinds. She said that the performance of the locals against their international counterparts would give a clear indication of where Guyana stands as an athletic nation.
Mr. Hope was just as buoyant as Ms Hinds and the organizers, but warned that local athletes are not to be underrated. “I know that you are here to do your best and cart off the spoils but be warned that our guys are up to the challenge,” he said. Mr. Hope said that the participation of international athletes would be beneficial to the locals who can test their mettle against qualitative opposition. He also complemented the organizers for their efforts in enhancing the quality of the meet.
Apart from bragging rights and the privilege of being sports ambassadors, the athletes will be compensated with lucrative monetary prizes of some US$500. The respective winners will pocket US$250 with the second and third places winning US$150 and US$100 respectively. There will be added lucrative prizes with the winning club pocketing $600,000 (Guy) while the 2nd to 4th place finishers will take home $400,000, $250,000 and $150,000 respectively. The most outstanding male and female athletes will receive $50,000 (Guyana) each.
The organizers have also said that there will be several gate prizes, to the value of $250,000, for lucky patrons. Prizes include $30,000 cash, a smart phone, food hamper, watches and a gold chain among other items.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
Kazakhstan showed that renegotiation is possible
Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News– Bharrat Jagdeo is fond every week of criticizing the PNC/R as not having persons... more
OAS Secretary General Election and renewed OAS Consensus
Antiguan Barbudan Ambassador to the United States, Sir Ronald Sanders By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News- The upcoming election... more
Weekend Cartoon
