SEVERAL OF the more prominent faces in Jamaica’s track and field community have lent their voices in support of the decision made to host the inaugural Grand Slam Track (GST) series at the National Stadium.
During a GST press conference at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel on Monday, founder, four-time Olympic champion Michael Johnson, explained the decision to host the first-ever GST event in Kingston was as a result of Jamaica’s reputation as one of the premier nations in track and field.
The Jamaican leg of the four-stop global league is slated to kick off on April 4 and continue through to April 6, next year.
Maurice Wilson, principal of G.C. Foster College and founder of SprinTec Track Club, was in full support of the decision when he spoke to The Gleaner after the press conference.
Wilson said the launch of the GST series comes in a timely manner for Jamaican athletes, as it provides a new competitive platform for incoming talents who will look to continue Jamaica’s rich athletic legacy.
“I think this is an excellent initiative and a fantastic move by Michael Johnson and his team,” Wilson stated.
“The sport needed this injection of avenues where athletes can earn and I think it came at a timely moment in which, for example, a lot of our stars are no longer in the sport. So there needs to be more incentive-driven opportunities for young athletes coming up, and this is one of them.”
Wilson said the GST series starting in Jamaica is indicative of the country’s lasting impact on the global sporting community.
He said local fans of the sport have shown that, with the right product, they will give their support at the National Stadium in large numbers.
“One thing I know is that Jamaicans love track and field. We have shown since 2002 that we have been some of the best supporters of track and field worldwide,” he stated.
“Again, I am happy that they chose Jamaica as one of the stages, because it shows that the confidence is here and the brand is strong.”
Another supporter of the decision is Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) president Christopher Samuda, who believes the Slam in Jamaica will not only highlight the country’s prominence in the sport, but will also provide economic opportunities.
“It certainly spotlights Jamaica’s track and field and it also gives prominence to the country.
“We know that we are the sprint factory of the world and, therefore, this is a validation of that reputation that we have,” Samuda explained.
“There are economic benefits as well, once we put the business model together. I suspect that culture and entertainment will synthesise with sport in order to ensure that the economy of sport contributes to the nation.”
Samuda pledged his resounding support of the GST series and stated the JOA will support any initiative which seeks to platform Jamaica and its athletes in their given sport.
“This is an excellent initiative and the Jamaica Olympic Association will support anything that incentivises athletes and will at least give our athletes the opportunity to earn and, importantly, provide a stage to demonstrate their prowess and excellence in sports.”