JAI Signs of La Penitence Boulevard and Mark Interior Communications yesterday threw in their weight behind the third edition of the President’s/Jefford Track and Field Classic, in the form of a new photo opportunity banner and financial support. Both companies have been long-standing supporters of the track meet and yesterday’s gesture marked a continuation of that relationship, as they were both initial contributors to the competition, which began three years ago and saw former Commonwealth Games gold medallist Aliann Pompey compete last year.
Managing Director of Mark Interior Communications, Mark Grimmond, said the Classic is the best athletics meet in Guyana and that is one of the primary reasons he had no hesitation in supporting it and plans to do so in the future as well.
According to Grimmond, he is a “strong supporter of quality sports and athletes in Guyana” and his sponsorship of this year’s meet is another way for him to demonstrate his commitment and promised to maintain his partnership with the meet, as it gets bigger and bigger.
The Photo Opportunity banner will be used as the official background for all photo chances of the meet, which will be featuring overseas-based Guyanese Marian Burnett competing among local athletes and athletes from the Caribbean.
Over $3M in cash will be up for grabs at this year’s event, with the top club being guaranteed a purse of $500 000, while the second- and third-placed clubs will pocket $300 000 and $200 000 respectively.
Apart from doling out lucrative cash prizes to clubs and athletes, the President’s/Jefford Classic, which will be launched today, has sought to establish a popular brand for athletics and provide the platform for local athletes to decide who is the best-of-the-best.