JAAA thanks Stuttgart mayor for pre-Olympic camp

PRESIDENT OF the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA), Garth Gayle, thanked the Mayor of Stuttgart in Germany yesterday for providing the country’s athletes with facilities for a training camp ahead of the Olympic Games in Paris.

Gayle, who spoke on behalf of the management team, coaches, and several athletes in attendance, said it was a no-brainer when the venue was decided on for the 12-day training camp (July 12-24).

“Mr Mayor, I would like to thank you on behalf of my federation for accommodating our athletes to use your wonderful facilities here in Stuttgart. When myself and Treasurer Ludlow Watts toured the facility in December, we had no doubt that this was the ideal place for our athletes to be with their preparation,” said Gayle, who stated that despite many challenges leading up to the camp, he and his association were determined to make the occasion a possibility.

Gayle said he wants Stuttgart to become a permanent venue for the country’s athletes’ preparation.

“Because of your hospitality, food, and friendship, we want Stuttgart to be a permanent venue for our athletes in future international assignments in Europe,” he said.

“As Jamaicans, wherever we go we share our culture and leave a positive impression, which I know will make you happy to have us back again”

“Because of your expertise in technology, we would also like you to share with us in this area, and I am hoping we can have a bond between our countries and GC Foster College of Sports in this area so we, along with our neighbours from the other Caribbean countries who study there, can benefit.”

Most of the Jamaicans are yet to arrive at the camp with other athletes in other parts of Europe competing in meets ahead of the Olympics.

The Jamaica contingent is expected to arrive at the Olympic Village on July 24.