Clayton twins happy to inspire next generation

JAMAICAN TWIN track and field sensations Tia and Tina Clayton have been named ambassadors of this year’s staging of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA)/Sagicor National Primary Schools Athletic Championships.

The twins were selected as this year’s ambassadors having previously competed at the championships and gone on to have stellar athletic careers.

The Clayton sisters, along with Serena Cole and Kerrica Hill, are World Under-20 record holders in the women’s 4x100 metres while Tina stands as the reigning world under-20 world 100m champion.

Mark Chisholm, chief revenue officer at Sagicor, said the twins are great examples of the legacy of the annual championships in identifying and developing the future stars of Jamaica’s track and field programme.

“Jamaica’s prowess in athletics is legendary, and it’s events like this that lay the foundation for the stars of tomorrow,” he said.

“Today, we’re honoured to have two shining examples of this legacy with us, our meet ambassadors Tia and Tina Clayton, who, as you know, also started their athletic journey at the JTA/Sagicor Championships.”

Speaking at the event’s media launch on Friday at the JTA headquarters, the Clayton sisters said they were honoured and felt it was the perfect opportunity to inspire the next generation of Jamaican athletes.

Tina, in particular, said the role of ambassador was a special opportunity because of her passion for junior athletics.

“It’s a good feeling knowing that this was a building stone for us. To know that we’re back and to be a part of it being an ambassador is a big thing. Personally, for me, I like to see kids competing. I like being around the kids so I’m really excited to be a part of this meet.”

Tia, on the other hand, said the role of ambassador was special to her as it gave the athletes added inspiration to compete. She hopes being at the event with her sister will allow the athletes to see the pathway to a professional career is possible.

“I’m truly favoured and it is very important because we get to encourage the smaller athletes to do their best and we’re so truly honoured for this opportunity,” she said.

“It is a very great feeling. We hope to give a lot of inspiration for the kids that want to become like us and that’s very great. But they should also know that they will have to work very hard to achieve what we’ve achieved.”

The championships are set to run at the National Stadium from June 7 to June 8.