ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC – Former world 100 metres record holder, Asafa Powell, has confirmed his participation in next April’s Grenada Invitational scheduled for the National Stadium here.
The 34-year-old Jamaican, who has broken the 10-seconds barrier in the 100 metres nearly 100 times during his career, is among the first set of international track stars to sign off on the inaugural meet.
Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell, who announced Powell’s participation yesterday during the 2017 budget presentation, said the sprinter’s presence was an indication of the high standard of athlete which was expected to line up at the showpiece.
“Of the many athletes expected to compete at this inaugural event, former world 100m record holder Asafa Powell of Jamaica has confirmed his participation,” Dr Mitchell said following the budget presentation.
“The Grenada Invitational, a private partnership initiative and supported by the Government, will provide Grenadians with an opportunity to see for the first time on local shores, elite international athletes competing at the National Athletic Stadium.”
The Local Organising Committee has been liaising with Olympian Chris Brown of the Bahamas to secure the signatures of top international athletes.
And Powell, who holds the fifth fastest 100m time in history, is expected to be the first of several marquee names to participate at the Invitational.
“Chris continues to deliver on his promise to introduce quality athletes to the Grenada fans and we’re happy on the developments,” said meet organiser, Michael Bascombe.
“It’s an impressive list of track Pand field athletes and it will be an historic occasion for Grenada. The stakeholders including the athletics fraternity led by Mr Charles George have provided critical start-up information and we’re satisfied with the progress.”
The meet is set for April 8.
