Jamaica to establish special fund for 'struggling' former national representatives

By Sports Desk February 01, 2021

A special fund to assist former Jamaica’s national representatives who have fallen on the hard times is to be established by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport.

The move was announced today by Minister Olivia Grange, who said she had directed the Sports Development Foundation to set aside money for the fund while she finalizes a body that will implement and manage it.

Minister Grange met with the new board of the SDF last week when she urged the members to treat the establishment of the fund as a priority action.

The new SDF board is comprised of Attorney-at-law George Soutar, who is Chairman; International Sports Administrator, Dr Michael Fennell; former banker Mr Lloyd Pommells; International Sports Administrator Mrs Molly Rhone; financial consultant Mr Compton Rodney; National Sports Coordinator Mrs Annmarie Heron; businessman Mr Newton Amos; chartered accountant Ms Lilian Reid; attorney-at-law Mr Alexander Shaw and General Manager Mr Denzil Wilks.

The Minister discussed her vision for the transformation and streamlining of the national sports entities during this calendar year and the critical role of the SDF going forward.

 

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    "This Invitational Silver Continental Category Meet, as per World Athletics Standard, will allow athletes and coaches to accurately assess their status and make the necessary adjustments to achieve the preferred results in good time for the upcoming Olympics," Minister Grange stated.

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    Minister Grange extended a warm welcome to all athletes and emphasized the dual focus on performance and positive social interactions during the meet.

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    The Jamaica Athletics Invitational Meet has already confirmed participation from international stars such as World Indoor Champion Julien Alfred of St Lucia, Dina Asher Smith from Great Britain, 2022 World 100m champion Fred Kerley, Trayvon Brommel, and rising triple jump star Jaydon Hibbert.

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    “Let the games begin!” the Jamaican sports minister declared.

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