Birmingham-Jamaica athletics legacy exchange programme launched

A legacy programme, which will provide for the exchange of expertise in athletics between Jamaica and Birmingham and also for the forging of business and cultural ties, was launched on February 19 at the Crown Plaza Hotel in the British city.

The launch of the Birmingham-Jamaica Athletics Legacy Exchange Programme preceded the Aviva Indoor Grand Prix in which several Jamaican athletes participated. The occasion was also used to unveil a 24-member team from Birmingham to take part in this year’s Gibson Relays slated for March 12 at the National Stadium in Kingston.

The legacy programme is one element of a deal struck between the Jamaica Amateur Athletics Association (JAAA) and Birmingham City Council for the Jamaican athletics team to train in that midlands city ahead of next year’s London Olympic Games.

It also allows for the exchange of skills and information and is expected to be a long lasting arrangement that goes well beyond 2012.

Assistant Director of Sport at the Birmingham City Council, Steve Hollingworth, who spoke at the launch, said the legacy programme will reap rich rewards for both Birmingham and Jamaica.

“This is about more than athletics; this is about a long-term legacy and the coming together of Birmingham and Jamaica to forge sporting, cultural and business links. We are looking to expand the exchange programme beyond athletics to cricket, netball and football as well,” he said.

Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Len Gregory said the programme was only the start of what promises to be a long and lasting, mutually beneficial relationship between Birmingham and Jamaica.

He said the city looked forward to hosting Jamaican athletes and officials and sharing expertise in a wide range of areas.

Meanwhile, the team of 24 athletes and officials, who will be participating in next month’s Gibson Relays, was chosen from among the top schools and athletics clubs in the city. They will be competing in a wide range of track and field disciplines, matching skills with some of the island’s top high school athletes.

Jamaican sprinter Ryan Shields addressed the group and fielded questions about their expectations in competing in Jamaica. He spoke of the intense athletic rivalry that exists at the high school level and encouraged the athletes to give of their best and make Birmingham proud while ensuring the success of the legacy exchange programme.   

Later in the day, Novlene Williams-Mills blew away the field to register victory in the women’s 400 metres at the Aviva Indoor Grand Prix in a season best time of 51.87 seconds. Commonwealth 100 metres champion Lerone Clarke placed third in the men’s 60 metres dash while Vonette Dixon (women’s 60 metres sprint and hurdles) and Ryan Shields (men’s 60 metres and 200 metres) failed to make it to the podium.  

CONTACT: ANDREW CLUNIS