JOA to mark Olympic Day with 5K

Olympic Day, celebrated on June 23, gives everyone a chance to take part in various sporting activities, and this year, the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) will mark the occasion with a 5K run on June 25.

Speaking at the launch at the JOA office in Kingston yesterday, president Michael Fennell said that Olympic Day is important to the 205 member countries.

"We are trying to promote certain values in sports. It is important to hang on to and preserve the value of sports," Fennell told the gathering.

"Olympic values are promoted by the IOC (International Olympic Committee). The run is not about records, but values that we need in the society and not only in sports," the long-serving JOA boss outlined.

June 23 is the day on which the Olympic Movement was founded at the initiative of Pierre de Coubertin, at Sorbonne University in Paris in 1894.

The 5K will begin at the National Stadium at 6:30 a.m.

EVENT OVERVIEW

Alan Beckford, a JOA director, gave an overview of the event.

"Last year, we had 100 runners, so this year, the aim is to improve on the number of competitors. There is no cost or entry fee to compete, and we thank Puma for coming on board again," Beckford said.

"We will start with a lap at the National Stadium track then on to the road, ending at the JOA office on Cunningham Avenue," he explained.

"We have 37 member associations in the JOA and are asking the associations to wear attire representing their sport," he encouraged.

He also said that parking would be available at the National Stadium parking lots. There would be free hydration stations along the route and Suretime Ambulance would provide service.

Jerry Benzwick, Jamaica Rugby Football Union (JRFU) chairman, said that "these are exciting times for sports".

"JRFU is the newest sport in the JOA, and we are encouraged by the association opening the way for lesser sports. We are looking forward to the Olympic Day," Benzwick said in giving greetings.