Local squad off to World Juniors

JAMAICA'S contingent to the World Junior Championships in Moncton, Canada, left the island before dawn this morning.

The group of 36 athletes and 12 officials is scheduled to arrive in Toronto before moving on to Moncton where the meet is scheduled to start next week Monday.

The team wrapped up its final preparation last weekend at G.C. Foster College, following a four-day training camp.

Defending boys' 100 metres champion Dexter Lee will be aiming to create history at the championships when he tries to win back-to-back titles in the sprint event. He will be the country's main medal hope and he is expecting to play a key role in the 4x100 metres relay.

The full party leaving this morning were.

GIRLS

Sedaitha Palmer, Deandre Whitehorne, Yanique Elling-ton, Diandra Gilbert, Danielle Williams, Tonique Sobah, Samantha Elliot, Jodiann Muir, Chris Ann Gordon, Jeneive Russell. Ristananna Tracy, Danielle Dowie, Natoya Goule, Chanice Porter, Shericka Jackson, Candieca Bernard

BOYS

Dexter Lee, Kemar Bailey-Cole, Bernado Brady, Julian Forte, Odean Skeen, Brandon Tomlinson, Kamal Fuller, Stefan Fennell, Dwayne Extol, Javarn Gallimore, Nolan Williams, Jonathon Reid, Jermaine Gayle, Nascieve Denton, Demar Murray, Chad Wright, Ashinia Miller, Javere Bell, Kemoy Campbell, Travis Smikle

OFFICIALS

Alfred Francis, manager; Rose Watts, assistant manager; Neville Myton, assistant manager; Lincoln Cox, doctor; Pier Ann Brown, physiotherapist; Raymond Graham, technical leader; Julian Robinson, head coach; and coaches Michael Dyke, Claude Grant, Dean Tomlin and Rhansomme Edwards.