Tighter controls – Jackson Meet targets smooth running today
ORGANISERS of this year’s Queen’s/Grace Jackson Meet have placed a number of restrictions on entries for the development meet set for today at the National Stadium, in a bid to prevent the long delays which marred last year’s event.
Meet Chairperson, Olive McNaughton, speaking at the launch at The Queen’s School on Central Avenue, stressed that there would be a timely start to the event at 8:15 am, with no more than six athletes per school per event being allowed. There will also be no more than 20 heats per event.
“We [are] trying to manage it as best as possible, but if we see it running on time and on schedule there will be no restrictions,” said McNaughton.
The meet has traditionally been used by MVP Track and Field Club members to start their yearly season, and McNaughton said she expected those who are healthy to do just that this season as well.
“We expect a full line-up of locally based athletes that will be competing at the event — several Olympians, high schools. The timing of this meet is very important and so we expect to have a full turnout again,” she noted.
Lucozade Sport will be sponsoring a special 100m for supporters, coaches and managers. Other events include the 200m, 400m, discus, javelin, pole vault, and high jump.
There will be no shot put as Independence Park Limited has placed a restriction on the event inside the Stadium because of the upcoming World Cup football qualifier.
Queen’s School Olympians Latoya Greaves and Samantha Henry Robinson will be honoured at the meet, while Caribbean Airlines will be making a presentation to the most outstanding Queen’s student on the day.
McNaughton also made a contribution of gym equipment to the Queen’s sports programme from proceeds from the Training Camp 5K Road Race.
The donation includes a fitness mat, weight ball and a bench press.