SIX overseas competitors for this weekend’s 6th Boyce and Jefford Track and Field Classic are here and ready to run the gauntlet against the best of the locals in Linden according to the various representatives. Jamaica’s contingent of Nicholas Maitland (200m), Keno Burrell (200m) and Seidatha Palmer (100,200) along with coach Patrick Dawson, during press conference at the Guyana Olympic Association’s headquarters in Kingston yesterday confirmed readiness for the competition.
“I specialise in the Sprint from the 100 to the 400m. I’m here with this small contingent to do our best. I’m here to represent Jamaica.”
Trinidad’s middle distance pair of Dawnel Collymore (800m, 1500m) and Ashton Gill (800m, 1500m) are elated to be in Guyana. Coach Kelvin Nancoo said, “Ashton is really the Under-20 champion in Trinidad and Tobago. He is unbeaten in the 800 and 1500m this year. Dawnell is the top tier. She’s the third best when we talk about women. We are here to do our best and sure we will be back next year.”
Bermuda’s 100m and 200m athlete Petra McDonald also expressed pleasure at being a part of the 2-day event in the mining town.
Co-organiser of the event, Colin Boyce stated that all systems are in place, adding, “When I am listening to the times and performance of some of these athletes coming here for the very first time, it means that the standard definitely will be higher this year.”
Smalta Brand Manager Anjeta Hinds and Digicel Manager with responsibility for Events and Sponsorship Gavin Hope, who gave remarks, wished the athletes the best of luck at the event and urged them to thrive in the spirit of sportsmanship.
For the International events (100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m), the winners will be provided with US$250 with the second and third places winning US$150 and US$100 respectively.
The winning local club will pocket $600 000 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 each.
The competition begins at 13:00hrs daily at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground. (Stephan Sookram)