Olympic Day Run

Long-serving Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) president Michael Fennell has issued a call for Jamaicans to, on June 25, observe, celebrate and participate in the symbolic Olympic Day Run.

Olympic Day is slated for Thursday June 23 globally, but the run will take place here on Saturday the 25th.

It first began in 1948, and while many of the 206 (one suspended) IOC member countries do not celebrate the run avidly, in Fennell's view, Jamaicans should practise and spread the values of excellence, friendship and respect through the Olympic Day Run.

The upcoming event was launched on Monday at the JOA's office, located on Cunningham Avenue in Kingston.

"It's not a matter of cost because it's purely symbolic, but it's a fact that we just cannot get the traction.

"We are struggling with this, and we have asked you to help us, as we move towards celebrating these values which must be part of our involvement in sports," Fennell said.

This year the IOC is asking three themes to be considered; Move (get people more physical), learn (use education in advancing the value of the sport and discover (discover new things, new ways and new techniques to put sports ahead).

The run is free to enter. It will begin at the National Stadium and its route will run along Nannyville, Arthur Wint Drive, Vale Royal, down on Lady Musgrave on Herb McKenley Drive before concluding at the JOA office.

Digicel was identified as a partner, while a refreshment sponsor will be at the event.

Entry forms will be available on the JOA website.

Meanwhile, Molly Rhone, second vice-president spoke on the importance of gender equality, noting the importance of females being given access to sport in general and playing roles in its administration.

Rhone is also president of the International Netball Federation.