Grace Jackson brandishes 'action' team for election

Raymond Graham, Gleaner Writer

OLYMPIAN Grace Jackson, who is seeking to become the first female president of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA), presented her eight-member team yesterday with a launch at the Knutsford Court Hotel in Kingston.

Jackson, whose theme for tomorrow's election is 'On A Mission For Change', is confident she can upstage her two male counterparts, incumbent Dr Warren Blake and Lincoln Eatmon.

Jackson, a first vice-president of the outgoing executive, says she will be supporting members of the Eatmon team like Dave Myrie, Lincoln Forbes and Michael Frater.

Different philosophy

"Unlike the other slates, our message is different as we are about action, and that's the reason why we have put an action plan in place. Our philosophy is different as we have people who are more committed to the cause of track and field in the country, and we have a small team because we are a close-knit family, and we are not thinking about putting people up against each other, but by choosing who we think are the best to make things work effictively," she said.

With majority of members on her team being past athletes, Jackson thinks they know what is best for athletes.

"Our team is a team of action and we are very serious with the things we are going to do, as we have the people on my team who love the sport and are are willing to make a difference," she continued.

Jackson's action plan covers five areas.

1. To develop a comprehensive athletes' support programme.

2. Structuring of a national junior championships programme to foster post-secondary school development.

3. Strengthening existing organisational structure.

4. Develop a wide-ranging programme to certify coaches and officials.

5. Develop an effective, innovative and comprehensive marketing and rebranding campaign for increased sponsorship.

She was asked by a member of the public if she thinks being a female would impact her chances.

"I do not see myself running as a female to create history, but I see myself as the best candidate among the three who can make a big difference," she responded.

The other members of her slate are: Joseph Taffe (treasurer), Jon Jones (general secretary), Cathy Rattray-Samuels (assistant secretary), Maurice Wignall (director of records), and executive members Paula Dawson and David Riley.