Bolt proud of Racers Grand Prix growth
A STAR-STUDDED line-up has been named for this year’s Jamaica National Racers Grand Prix, which takes place at the National Stadium on June 10.
The meet, which is in its second staging has been themed ‘Salute to a Legend’ to honour iconic sprinter Usain Bolt, who will be competing in his last event on local soil at the event.
Some of the international names already confirmed for the meet are Olympic 400m gold medallist and world record holder Wayde van Niekerk of South Africa, 800m double Olympic gold medal winner and world record holder David Rudisha of Kenya, and Britain’s ‘double double’ Olympic 5,000 and 10,000m gold medallist Mo Farah.
Bolt, who was the highlight of yesterday’s launch event, which took place at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, said that he is pleased with how the meet has grown from last year, given that the 2016 edition set high standards to live up to.
“The fact that the coach (Glen Mills) is close to a lot of athletes really helps the meet, and I know a few athletes also,” the world’s fastest man said.
DREAM COME TRUE
“We have always had good relationships with athletes overall. But, for me, I’m very happy. I’m very proud of my coach and the way he has built this meet. It has always been one of his dreams to really have an international meet, so this is his dream come true and he’s building it.
“We at Racers are trying to make it bigger and better and any way I possibly can, I’ll also help,” Bolt added.
Sports Minister Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange said that “this year, not even the great Boys and Girls’ Champs will be as highly anticipated as the Racers Grand Prix”.
Grange also announced that the Government, through the Sports Development Fund, will be contributing US$200,000 ($26 million) to the meet.