The ninth edition of the annual Boyce and Jefford Track and Field Classic is set to take Linden by storm with a number of exciting events billed for the McKenzie Sports Club Ground this Saturday and Sunday.
The event was unveiled yesterday at Ansa McAl’s Boardroom, the official sponsor of the activity.
Technical Director, Mark Scott, informed that all the major clubs in Guyana have already registered to participate in the Classic, including heavyweights Police Sports Club, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and debutant – the University of Guyana (UG).
This year’s event will also see a record number of local athletes going up against each other for cash and other prizes in excess of over $2M.
“The total number of athletes registered to date – we have a total of 167 athletes [and] they are basically local athletes. We have one athlete from French Guiana which brings it to a total of 168 athletes,” Scott said.
The event, this time around, however, faced a few hindrances particularly as it relates to sponsorship, which was highlighted by Colin Boyce.
The challenges, he said, prevented the committee from inviting quality overseas athletes. He, however, lauded Ansa McAl’s continued support of the event.
“This event is in its ninth year and strange enough, we found that this year… is one the most difficult years as it relates to garnering sponsorship to cover all the aspects of the budget which includes the hosting of overseas athletes who will normally attend this meet,” Boyce explained.
Nonetheless, he noted that the committee’s commitment to the community of Linden and athletics, in general, motivated them to spring the extra yard to ensure the event was organized.
Meanwhile, Ansa McAl’s Non-alcoholic Brand Manager, Errol Nelson, expressed the company’s delight at being onboard with the event as the official beverage sponsor under its flagship Icool Water and Lucozade beverages.
“We signed onto this event, not because of our mandate in helping to develop sports but because we see it as a plus for the community of Linden… we urged the community of Linden to come out and support the hosting of the event.”
The two action-packed days of athletic rivalry will see some of the most exciting locals on show. As per the norm, patrons can expect thrills in the sprint and middle-distance events.
Some of the big names who will be on show include sprint are Emmanuel Archibald, Akeem Stewart, Shatavo Bright, Compton Caesar and Leslain Baird.
