Coaches happy with Western Relays throws jaunt

DESPITE ONGOING uncertainty about when the annual Milo Western Relays will return to western Jamaica, the addition of shot put and discus throw for the event’s upcoming 45th staging to be held at G.C. Foster College of Physical Education and Sport in St Catherine has left western-based coaches optimistic and in high spirits.

Stephen Smith, president of the County of Cornwall Athletics Association (CCAA) has welcomed wholeheartedly the addition of the throws for this year’s 45th staging on Saturday, February 10.

“The sense that a lot of field events have not been held and based on that will give the athletes the opportunity to get them prepared for national Champs [ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships] and also for their National Trials. The more the competitions there are, the better prepared they will be for the championships coming up,” said Smith.

Smith was reacting to the announcement made by Ray Harvey, chairman of the Western Relays organising committee, during the event’s launch at the Holy Trinity Church Hall in Westgate, Montego Bay, St James, yesterday.

“This year we are introducing the throws, discus and the shot put for all classes in the high school teams. I think it is very important because several people have asked us about it. The fact that we have these wonderful facilities at G.C. Foster College, nothing is in our way. This year is going to be very special because it is the first time we are going to be having the throws,” said Harvey.

Milo will pump $4 million into the event, set to run from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

ELATED FOR ADDITION

Like Stephen Smith, Andrew Henry, coach of Mount Alvernia High School, is elated to hear that the throws will be added to this year’s order of events.

“It is very important in a sense where throwing events don’t get much traction when it comes on to the competition. It being involved in Milo Western Relays this year gives the athletes a chance to compete at the highest level. Saying that it will also give them a chance to hone their skill. When you look at other relay competitions, they don’t have throws, you have the jumps, sprint events, the distance events. The throwers need a chance to do their competition, given a chance to explore what they can do better and how they can develop their ability,” Henry said.

Additionally, there will be 60m races for seniors. Prize money will be awarded to the winners, second, third and fourth place in three relays 4x100m, 4x400m and 4x800m.

All three of the high school relays for boys and girls will receive, $40,000 for first place, $20,000 for second, $10,000 for third and $5,000 for fourth.

The major sponsors include Milo, Jamaica Olympic Association, Custom Marble, Track Alerts, World Class Athletics and On di Run.