The Boyce/Jefford Track and Field Committee yesterday launched the fifth annual Boyce/Jefford Classic to be held on August 16-17 at the MacKenzie Sports Club.
Details of the event were unveiled at a press conference at Sleep In Hotel on Brickdam.
Chairman of the Committee, Colin Boyce told the gathering of members of the sporting fraternity, sponsors and the media that the fifth Classic will be “bigger and better” than in previous years.
So what will change for the event which is in its fifth year?
“We intend to make it a bit more competitive”, said Boyce. “This year we won’t award clubs from one to six but from one to four.
According to Boyce, “a total of $1.4m is to be awarded to the clubs.” Up from half a million dollars last year, the winning outfit will pocket $600,000 with the runners up taking home $400,000, $250,000 and $150,000.
Boyce also added that “based on discussions we will have eight athletes from the Caribbean and two or three from the US.”
He said that the Classic is putting things in place to attract the likes of CARIFTA Games gold medallist, Kadecia Baird, Brenessa Thompson, national 100m record holder, Adam Harris and the likes of Tonya Nero, Mark London and sprint sensation from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Joshua Hamilton.
“We just have to put things in place”, Boyce reiterated.
In addition to the local rivalry, six international events will be staged: Long jump (male) Triple jump (female), 1500m (female), 200m (female), 400m (male) and the 800m (male).
The top three finishers of each of the above events will be awarded cash prizes, with the winner being rewarded with $50,000.
Co-founder of the Classic, Edison Jefford said that the international two-day event has evolved into “Guyana’s premier track and field competition”.
Wartsila’s Arron Fraser, Digicel’s Gavin Hope and ANSA McAL’s Anjeta Hinds who were in attendance used the watchword “growth” to describe the marquee event. They also lauded Boyce and Jefford for the staging and developing the event, noting that they were committed to continuing their partnership with the Classic.
The Track and Field Classic was endorsed by coaches, Lindon Wilson, Glenton Pantlitz, Robert Chisolm and athletes present, including US-based Alita Moore, Letitia Myles, Kevin Bailey and Leon Bishop.
Competition on the first day begins at noon while athletes will get in the blocks at 14:00hrs on the following day. Admission is $500.
As customary, the champion male and female athlete will receive $50,000 and trophy. Athletes are allowed to enter a maximum of three events. On your marks. (Emmerson Campbell)
