Let’s give track and field the energy it deserves

THE EDITOR, Madam:

The National Stadium is expected to come alive this Saturday, June 1, with the annual staging of the Racers Grand Prix track and field meet featuring some of the current renowned international and local stars of the sport. This highly anticipated event comes on the heels of the successful staging at the same venue on May 11 of the inaugural Jamaica Athletics Invitational (JAI) World Continental Silver Tour meet staged by the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA).

Some 15,000 spectators reportedly attended the JAI event to witness what was a very high professional level of competition between local and international athletics superstars. The seamless organisation and electric atmosphere of this event was streamed live around the world to Jamaica’s credit. It showcased the country’s image, and capacity, in the international space, for being capable of successfully hosting global athletics events.

It was further reported by various local track and field analysts that the preparation of the venue for the JAI meet was near perfect. There was something for everyone in attendance to enjoy. And the passion and dedication of the athletes for their part – most of whom are in preparation mode for the Paris 2024 Olympics in July – led to a number of them achieving world-leading times in their respective events; a feat we are likely to see repeated this coming Saturday at the Racers Grand Prix event.

ECONOMIC, CULTURAL BENEFITS

Track and field fans, and sports enthusiasts in general, should support the Racers Grand Prix meet if for no other reason than to confirm that both it and the JAI meet are, in a very real sense, serious aspirational works in progress. They have the potential to lead to Jamaica perhaps achieving Diamond League and World Relays status in the not-too-distant future. This is a doable prospect whichever way we look at it, especially with the Government’s planned $11.6-billion renovation of the National Stadium slated to begin early next year. The project, at completion, will see an increase in its seating capacity from the current 35,000 to 40,000 and other major infrastructure improvements.

In the final analysis, these evolving global events on local soil are bound to guarantee with certainty, over time, not only the consistent showcasing of the incredible talent of the competitors, up close and personal, to the satisfaction of local track and field enthusiasts; but more important, will serve to bring our national community together in shared celebration of deeper athletic excellence and national pride.In addition, there is the economic and cultural benefits which they potentially could bring to the city of Kingston. For these and other reasons, let’s give track and field the energy it deserves, especially as we look forward to the staging of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

EVERTON PRYCE