MVP star power for Milo Relays

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau: The MVP Track Club, with its battery of top-flight international stars, is poised to be the star attraction when the much-anticipated 33rd renewal of the Milo Western Relays unfold next week Saturday at the new Catherine Hall Stadium in Montego Bay.

In an interview with The Gleaner following yesterday's launch of the annual track meeting in Montego Bay, meet director Ray Harvey said that while entries are still coming in, he can confirm that MVP, the University of Technology, University of the West Indies, G.C. Foster, Kingston College, Wolmer's Boys, Holmwood Technical and Manchester High will be among the participating teams.

"We will be serving up a special treat and it is only for the fans to come in and enjoy what we are offering," said Harvey. "I can promise that this is going to be a fantastic meet."

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This year's event will be a welcome-home party for the one-day championship, which was staged at G.C. Foster the past two years because the Catherine Hall facility - which was under construction - was not available.

While Milo has given a commitment that there will be an increase to last year's record $1.5 million sponsorship tag, Harvey could face a financial crunch as the rental cost for the Catherine Hall facility is a whopping $483,000.

"While it might not be easy, we are committed to giving western Jamaica a top-class track meet," stated Harvey. "We are therefore calling on the general public to come out and support this meet."

Despite the harsh economic climate, main sponsors Milo, which has been sponsoring the meet for the past 17 years, remains fully committed to putting its weight behind the event.

"We believe in supporting the development of our young people so we are fully committed to this partnership with the Western Relays," said Milo's sponsorship representative, Suzanne Wilson-Wong. "We are also once again happy to be supporting today's sports and lifestyle clinic, which will have Dr Michelle Holt as the presenter."

Events format modified

Some events format will be modified, as in the case of the 800m, which was formerly run as single race for Club/Institutions and high schools but will be separated this year.

"The changes will result in an additional three events, so we are expected to go on a little bit longer than our usual 6:15 p.m. cut-off time," noted Harvey. "That should not be a major concern as we now have lights at Catherine Hall."

The Gleaner/Youthlink Awards, which have become an integral part of the championship in recent years, will see a significant change this year as, unlike in the past when there were only two recipients, this year there will be three.

The three selectees are world junior champion Dexter Lee, Youth Olympic 100m gold medallist Odean Skeen, and Herbert Morrison Technical High School's new track sensation Seidatha Palmer.

Incidentally, coach Claude Grant, who has been instrumental in transforming Herbert Morrison into a track and field power-house, will be the patron of this year's meet.