‘Jamaicans will be missed at Penns’

A decision is yet to be taken on the staging of this year’s Penn Relays scheduled for Franklin Field, Philadelphia, April 24-26.

If the 126th staging of the relay carnival is held it will do so without a Jamaican contingent. Minister of Health Dr Chris Tufton recently advised schools and colleges not to participate in the annual meet this year due to the threat of the coronavirus which has caused numerous deaths worldwide and has forced the cancellation and postponement of many sporting events. Up to yesterday there were more than 3,000 confirmed cases of the virus in the United States and at least 62 people had died. The meet also suffered a big blow when the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) cancelled competition for the remainder of the season. Most collegiate teams will therefore not make the trip to Franklin Field.

Carnival director Dave Johnson told The Gleaner yesterday that they remained hopeful that the meet will be held. “We are still in meetings and no decision has yet been taken to cancel the carnival. Although the meet is more than 30 days away, the health and safety of our participants, spectators, officials, volunteers, sponsors and other staff are our utmost concern,” he said.

“We remain hopeful that there will be a safe Penn Relays and we will continue to provide updates,” he added.

He expressed his disappointment that Jamaican teams will not be a part of the meet if it is held. “Yes, the Jamaican teams will surely be missed and this is a big blow. Penn Relays is unlike any other meet as it is a tradition which has seen families and friends coming year after year. It is like a reunion for the Jamaicans. There are not many first timers. It is mainly those who are coming for years as this is in their blood …,” stated Johnson.