Olympian Says Jamaica Will Do Well In Daegu

KINGSTON — Olympian Vilma Charlton, says despite recent challenges, Jamaica's athletes are expected to perform well at the 13th World Championships in Athletics to be held in Daegu, South Korea from August 27 to September 4.

“We think we will do well,” said Ms. Charlton, who is also the Liaison Officer for the Jamaica team to the event.

She was speaking in an interview with JIS News at the company's headquarters on Half-Way-Tree Road, following the handover of several flags by the agency's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Donna-Marie Rowe.

The JIS and the Sports Development Foundation (SDF) have collaborated to provide the team with five, three feet by six feet (3ft x 6ft) flags at a discounted price.

“We came for extra flags because we are hoping that we will (place) one, two, three in one of the sprint events, which is the 100-metres (men), and of course…the Jamaican athletes like to parade around the track. So we are grateful to have this package, which has afforded us extra flags to display,” Ms. Charlton said.

She informed that the Jamaican team, which comprises 51 members including managers, will leave the island on August 16. The team's manager, Olympian Grace Jackson, left on Saturday August 13.

Members of the public can purchase Jamaican flags at the JIS head office. The three by six feet flags are for $13,000 plus General Consumption Tax (GCT). Desk flags (four by six inches) cost $700; while paper flags (three by six inches) are priced at $30.

By ALECIA SMITH, JIS Reporter