JAAA confirms Global Relays participation at Penns

THE JAMAICA Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) has confirmed that Jamaica will be taking part in the newly branded Global Relays at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia next year.

Fans attending the 128th staging of the Penn Relays were gifted with the news just recently that there would be a return of the international event, which was formerly dubbed the USA vs the World relay.

The news comes on the back of the return of the World Relays in The Bahamas, which takes place a week after the Penn Relays inside Franklin Stadium from April 25-27, and in a year when the Olympic Games in Paris is the most eye-catching sporting event of the year.

Steve Dolan, director of Penn Relays, at the time of the announcement, had said 12 countries had already indicated wishes to compete in the meet, where the 4x100 and 4x400 metres men’s and women’s relays would be contested.

President of the JAAA, Garth Gayle, said Jamaica will be there.

“The upcoming track and field season is going to be a busy one, especially with regard to the Paris Olympic Games. The Penn Relays, in its renewal in 2024, will be staging a special series of relay events for teams from NACAC and other areas, and Jamaica will be sending teams there,” said Gayle.

Gayle said the addition of the World Relays the following week will provide athletes with good opportunities to work on baton changes.

“The need for relay practice can never be overstated, so we will be participating in order for our elite male and female athletes to hone their skills in relay events,” he said.

Pierce O’Callaghan, head of competition management at World Athletics, highlighted the significance of the event.

“Providing a top-level competitive opportunity at Penns for many of the national relay teams, one week before the World Athletics Relays in The Bahamas, which is the Olympic Trials for the teams in 2024, is a win-win for everyone.”