The Jamaica Star :: Sport :: 'Expect a fabulous Milo Relays'

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Left: Herbert Morrison's Dexter Lee Right: Holmwood's Bobbi-Gaye Wilkins - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

western bureau

Despite the absence of the MVP Track Club and its premier stars, sprinters Asafa Powell and Sherone Simpson, the organisers of the 30th Milo Western Relays are still expecting a fabulous event.

"It is a little bit disappointing that we won't have the MVP team because they are away at a training camp in Australia," said meet director Ray Harvey. "However, we are still anticipating that it will be an excellent day with good performances."

The popular one-day championship set for the unfinished Catherine Hall Stadium, in Montego Bay, tomorrow, is one of the stellar attractions on the Jamaica Amateur Athletics Association (JAAA) calendar. This year it is being sponsored to the tune of a whopping J$1million - a $250,000 increase over last year's S750,000 package.

Sponsorship increase

Meet director Ray Harvey

'"The increase in sponsorship is an indication that after 14 years of sponsorship, Milo remains unwavering in it's commitment to this event," said Suzanne Wilson-Wong, Milo's category sales and development manager.

'With the extra money at their disposal, the organisers have added a new attraction to the meet in the form of two 'big races' - the 4x800m Open male and the 4x800m Open female.

'The prizes for the 'big races' are as follows: first - $35,000, second - $10,000; and third - $5,000. In addition to the substantial cash offering for the 'big races', other cash prizes are at stake such as - the most outstanding team - $25,000; most outstanding male athlete - $10,000 and the most outstanding female athlete - $10,000.

'This year's patron will be renown western Jamaica sports personality Sefton Lawrence.

Construction work which is now taking place at the stadium has been suspended in one section by the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) to facilitate the event. With the temporary stands that were in place last year no longer at the facility, new measures will be put in place for spectator comfort.

Specially erected tents

Asafa Powell... will miss from this year's meet.

"While spectators will not have the temporary stand that they had last year, for a minimal cost, they will have a chance to sit under specially erected tents," said Harvey. "The tents will be located between the perimeter fence and the running track and will be dispensed of on a first come first serve basis."

'Like in recent years, the relays, which will feature three categories - preparatory/primary, high schools and clubs/institution - should see the greatest excitement in the high school section, where Holmwood Technical will be defending the 'Top female high school' title and Herbert Morrison Technical, the 'Top male high school' crown.

'National junior representative Dexter Lee, of Herbert Morrison; and Bobbi-Gaye Wilkins, of Holmwood Technical, two of the athletes that are expected to sizzle are already assured of walking away with two of the major trophies.

Both athletes are the recipients of The Gleaner Award for last year's top male and female junior athletes.

"While we have had to make a lot of adjustments because of the construction work taking place, we are still expecting good performance," said Harvey. "In fact, I am expecting a fabulous event."

The first event is slated to begin at 10:00 a.m. and the final event for 6:20 p.m.