Adrian Frater, News Editor
Milo's marketing executive Kenneth Dodd (left), presenting the $500,000 sponsorship cheque to Ray Harvey, the meet director for the Milo Western Relays at yesterday's launch in Montego Bay. The Relays will take place at the Catherine Hall Stadium, in Montego Bay, next Saturday. - PHOTO BY ANTHONY FOSTER
WESTERN BUREAU:
THE 2006 Milo Western Relays, which will be staged at the Catherine Hall Stadium in Montego Bay next Saturday, could be the biggest in the 28 years history of the one-day championship, as the organisers are expecting participation from 90 teams, drawn from schools, clubs and institutions.
Speaking at yesterday's launch of the popular relays in Montego Bay, meet director Ray Harvey said he was quite upbeat about the event, which is being sponsored to the tune of $500,000, as the level of interest he was seeing, with over a week to go, points to yet another successful championship.
"We already have 50 entries and we are expecting that number to increase to between 80 and 90 over the next week," said Harvey. "Like last year we are also expecting a number of top class athletes, including world 100m record holder Asafa Powell and his MVP teammate Lynden Frater."
Harvey also announced that Diana Gopaulsingh, the sports-mistress at Mannings High School, one of the foremost personalities in western track and field, will be the patron of this year's championship.
SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE
Referring to the increased sponsorship package, which has moved up from last year's $400,000 and a new scholarship provision, which will cover the full tuition cost of a successful athlete to attend the G.C. Foster College of Physical Education.
Milo's consumer marketing manager Kenneth Dodd said it is an indication of Milo's commitment to the development of athletics.
"Our increased involvement underscores Milo's commitment to building future champions," said Dodd, who used the opportunity to hand over two sets of hurdles to Herbert Morrison High School, which did well in hurdles last year; and Vere Technical, which is seeking to improve its field events programme.
Speaking about the inadequacy of the Catherine Hall Stadium, which is currently being used without supporting structures such as spectator stands, bathrooms and changing rooms, Dodd issued a call to Sports Minister Portia Simpson Miller to use her office to facilitate the completion of the place.
Beside the attraction of having some of the island's best athletes on show, patrons at this year's championship will also be exposed to cutting edge technology as giant visual screens will be erected to allow spectators, coaches and athletes to view live races and replays.
"We are expecting a fantastic championship," said Harvey. "With teams such as the MVP Track Club, Jamalco, University of Technology (UTech) and Comets, alongside top high schools such as Wolmer's, Holmwood, Vere Technical, St. Jago, Mannings and Herbert Morrison, great performances are almost a given."
