JAAA awaits details on athletes’ support

Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) First Vice-President Ian Forbes says that they are awaiting final details regarding the support for the group of alternate athletes for the Tokyo Olympics.

As a result of new COVID-19 protocols, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) reportedly will provide funding for alternate and reserve athletes, with the games scheduled to begin next Friday. Jamaica Olympic Association President Christopher Samuda said that they will be providing financial assistance to help athletes who will be competing in the event of injuries or illness to those on the final roster.

While not outlining the specific details of the number of athletes that will benefit, Forbes says that he hopes that there will be an adequate group approved to join the team in Tokyo to compensate for any changes that are deemed necessary.

“I’m not in a position to say at this point in time, but very soon, we should be able to give some more information as far as that is concerned,” Forbes told The Gleaner. “We are hoping that we will be able to satisfy the request for the numbers required to fill that category in terms of alternate athletes.

“That is what we are hoping for, to have proper coverage just in case, in the event that anyone gets injured or sick.”

The new IOC policy comes as athletes make their way to Tokyo for next week’s start of the rescheduled Olympic games, which have already seen an athlete test positive for COVID-19. Additionally, the Japanese government reported 1,308 new cases yesterday, the highest daily total for more than six months.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Samuda, while not disclosing the amount of financial support towards the travel for the alternate athletes, says that it was a need that the JOA had to fulfil to support those athletes.

“I would just say that I think that is a very significant contribution to the cost in terms of the athletes,” Samuda said. “All our partnerships are centred on our athletes and our member associations to ensure that they not only advance but are able to transition to the international stage.

“It was a quick decision that was made in response to a request, and also we have realised the circumstances that were, of course, brought on by the decision by the IOC. It was almost symptomatic. We simply said that we must contribute to the welfare of our athletes.”

The national track and field team for the Tokyo Games consists of over 60 athletes.

daniel.wheeler@gleanerjm.com