President Garth Gayle says the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) aims to deliver a grand showpiece for track and field fans worldwide at the first staging of the Jamaica Athletics Invitational next month.

The meet, launched on Wednesday, is scheduled for May 11 at the National Stadium and is a World Athletics Silver Continental Tour event.

Jamaica’s reigning Olympic 110m hurdles champion Hansle Parchment, fellow sprint hurdler Rasheed Broadbell, 400m hurdler Jaheel Hyde, World U20 triple jump record holder Jaydon Hibbert, and discus thrower Fedrick Dacres will lead Jamaica’s charge on the men’s side. Sprint hurdler and reigning world champion Danielle Williams, along with fellow sprint hurdler Megan Tapper, 400m hurdler Rushell Clayton, 400m runner Stacey-Ann Williams, and triple jumper Shanieka Ricketts, headline Jamaica’s female contingent set to participate at the meet.

Confirmed overseas participants include Americans Fred Kerley and Shamier Little, British sprinter Dina Asher-Smith, Kyron McMaster of the British Virgin Islands, and Saint Lucia’s sprinter Julian Alfred.

Gayle says the JAAA, led by athletes liaison officer Marvin Anderson, has been working to ensure that the best athletes in the world will compete at the meet.

“I must tell you that members of the organising committee, especially Olympian Marvin Anderson, have really done their homework,” he said. “He has promised us that he will secure an array of talented international athletes, and he has already teased us with some exciting names. I can guarantee you that there is more to come. The beauty of athletics in Jamaica is that we provide a platform not only for our local athletes, but also for international athletes to showcase their talents.”

Gayle spoke about the significance of hosting the meet, especially amid the reduction in international competitions globally due to funding constraints.

“Through a new partnership, Jamaica can now host a second invitational meet, which is a win-win situation for us,” he said.

Gayle said that one of the main focuses of the organisers is for it to become a Diamond League event in the near future.

“We have a cadre of international officials, and over the years, we have demonstrated that we can host excellent events,” he said. “World Athletics is aware of this through their competitions department, so I don’t think it was difficult for them to recognise the quality of our bid and the documents we submitted for this event.

“I can guarantee you that by the end of this renewal period, I am confident that the status will improve by 2025. That’s something you can count on. We are aiming for the first Diamond League meet to be held in Jamaica.

“It won’t be an easy undertaking, but with the team I am leading and the commitment of new sponsors who are coming on board, including our current gear sponsors, we are confident that we will be in a strong position by 2025 and beyond.”

Sport minister Olivia Grange says the Government will be pledging $10 million to the meet.

“We felt that it was important to support it and that is why we have been able to come up with $10 million dollars to give towards it,” she said.

“We want to be partners in this effort and it is great for athletics in Jamaica and, in fact, what it is doing is building the brand because with our athletes and their performance, and literally challenging athletes from other countries on Jamaican soil is going to bring focus on our country and the brand.

“It is important that we provide the funding and the support for the development of sports both at the community level through to the elite and the Government is committed to doing that.”