Government makes big contribution to Racers meet

The Government of Jamaica has contributed US $150,000 (Approx. Ja$18.7 million) towards the staging of the inaugural JN Racers Grand Prix track and field athletics meet at the National Stadium on Saturday, June 11.

The presentation was made at the Ministry of Sports, Entertainment, Culture and Youth located in New Kingston yesterday afternoon.

Minister of Sports, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, disclosed that the contribution was being made through the Sports Development Foundation (SDF) and the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB).

"The Government will be supportive of the JN Racers meet and will be making a significant contribution. The amount is US $150,000. It may not be enough at this time, but the sponsorship was made available through the SDF and Jamaica Tourist Board," Minister Grange said.

She stated that the acceptance of the meet by the IAAF means a lot to Jamaica.

"We have proved that we are at centre stage in track and field. We staged a meet in May and now there is another that is also approved by the IAAF," she added.

Glen Mills, president of the Racers Track Club, expressed gratitude to the government for the contribution.

"On behalf of Racers Track Club, I express gratitude. To get two meets of quality approved by the IAAF is testimony of our greatness as a country," Mills said.

"We want to look at ways for the meet to be a sports tourism product," he added.

Also speaking at yesterday's press briefing was Jason Hall, deputy director of tourism.

"A meet like this certainly put us on the map. We welcome it whole heartedly," Hall said.

The contribution comes hot on the heels of a $30 million donation by title sponsors, Jamaica National and US$110,000 (Approx. Ja $13.7 million) from by Digicel.