The 10th edition of the Jefford Classic dubbed ‘Celebration of Athletic Excellence in Guyana’ returns to the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground on August 11 with lucrative cash incentives and door prizes on offer.
Those and other details were disclosed yesterday at Ansa McAL’s headquarters during the formal launch of the annual event.
According to founder of the fixture, Edison Jefford, to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the ‘grassroots’ meet, “a unique sports package event” will be unwrapped for fans and athletes.
Jefford stated that in excess of $2M will be rewarded directly to the athletes instead of going to their clubs as was the case before. He noted that the podium finishers in each event will pocket $40,000, $25,000 and $15,000 respectively for their efforts.
Jefford, who disclosed that the meet will remain at the venue until the synthetic facility is completed in Linden, added that most of the nation’s top athletes will be putting their talents on display.
“We expect to have the cream of the crop on show” said Jefford, whose father, Elton, in whose honour the meet is being held, was one of the country’s top sprinters.
He added “We plan to have a grand occasion, there are unique things that will be happening.”
Among them will be “10 big gate prizes and 10 popular entertainers to keep the fans entertained.”
Action gets underway at 09:00hrs and admission is listed at $1000 for adults and $500 for children.
Major sponsors include: the National Sports Commission, Ansa McAL, Exxon Mobil, DeSinco under Swiss Brand, Antarctic Maintenance and Repairs, YK Investments Pawn Shop, Jude Bike Shop and Power Producers Distributors Inc. (Emmerson Campbell)
