Kirkvine meet confirmed - Anderson

Richard Bryan, Gleaner Writer

The annual athletic meet hosted at Kirkvine and sponsored by the Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association (JAAA) in association with Puma since 2003, is now on and will run off as expected on Saturday, as the second meet on the local calendar.

Pat Anderson, charmian of the meet's organising committee, confirmed the positive decision yesterday.

There was uncertainty as to whether the meet, which dates back to 1982, would take place. According to Gleaner sources, the uncertainly was linked to concerns whether the local association could commit to providing its usual monetary support within a certain timeframe.

Windalco, the bauxite company which owns Kirkvine, usually provides physical and logistical support, but their closure last year and the absence of any lead personnel in its educational support department did not help the situation either.

"I am happy to confirm that we have worked out something and the meet will go on," a relieved Anderson told The Gleaner yesterday.

Confirmation put off

Despite reports on the weekend as to the cancellation of the meet, Anderson said he had put off any confirmation until a meeting of the organising committee, which took place late on Monday. Members of that committee include Charlie Fuller, Edward Hector and Maurice Wilson.

Anderson who is a former JAAA president, admitted it has been stressful for the last days, but the committee's worst fears have now disappeared.

The meet also shares billing with the Douglas Forrest meet, which is slated for Kingston College.

However, Anderson said due consideration for the interest of the sheer number of athletes and schools who want to be accommodated had to be prioritised.

"We have always had good, excellent turnouts and there were people calling me every minute of the day wanting to know if it was on so we know of it's importance," he added.

With the meet now confirmed, the shortfall in sponsorship is expected to be made up by asking each participating school, or institution, to contribute a registration fee of $2000 on the day, payable by cheque to the Alcan Sports Association.

However registration details have to be submitted by Friday midnight to Wayne Long, who has been authorised to handle that aspect. Long can be reached by phone at 944-2661/805-6999.