JAAA’s Gayle buoyed by financial boost
Track and field boss anticipating competitive National Championships
Published:Friday | June 30, 2023 | 1:15 AMDaniel Wheeler/Staff Reporter
With a combined $35 million pledged in the preparations for the World Athletics Championships, Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) president Garth Gayle was bullish not only in being able to send the strongest squad possible, but ensuring that support will be adequately shared for all their athletes for the championships in August.
Gayle was speaking at yesterday’s press launch of the 2023 National Senior and Junior Championships, which begins next Thursday. The four-day championships will be used to select the team for the World Athletics Championships in Budapest as well as the Pan American Junior Championships and Commonwealth Youth Games.
Sports Minister Olivia Grange pledged $35 million to the JAAA, which will result in $10 million being used for the National Championships and $25 million for the World Championships itself.
Gayle said that the injection will provide the necessary cushion to aid in supporting the strongest squad possible for the World Championships.
“Simply tremendous. This will go a far way to ensuring not only the proper and efficient management of the championships, but also that qualified athletes will not be left behind. This will go a long way in ensuring the strongest possible team in Budapest,” Gayle told The Gleaner.
OPTIMISTIC
The road to the championships has not been without hurdles, according to Gayle, as they have had to navigate certain challenges. However, he is optimistic about securing more partnerships to alleviate the costs of staging the meet.
“There are some little areas of concern regarding the National Stadium, but not that we won’t be able to successfully stage the championships. We have some new partners on board, and we are anticipating that we will be able to rekindle some other partners who are waiting in the wings to help cushion some of the financial costs,” Gayle said. “To stage the national championships is quite a sum of money that many people really just take for granted.”
Grange highlighted the importance of the financial commitment to the overall preparation for the World Championships.
“We feel that JAAA and their role is very important in the development of track and field in Jamaica. The Senior and Junior Championships is critical in making sure we select the best to compete in the World Championships, and so they have to get the support to stage a good championship and to prepare our athletes who are selected,” Grange said.
Grange also said that a Jamaican House would be established at the games in Budapest. While it is a staple for the Olympics, it would be the first time that this venture would be at the World Championships.
Gayle anticipated a strong, competitive National Championships this year noting how pleased he was to see the juniors acquit themselves to earn senior places.
“Each year, the rivalry among our athletes (is great), and our juniors are stepping up and looking to gain their places in stardom and also to continue the sport on a professional level,” Gayle said.