KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican Government will forego the usual celebration for the athletes returning from their conquest at the IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China, and instead put that money towards assisting athletes who are struggling financially.

Natalie Neita-Headley, minister without portfolio with responsibility for sports, while addressing journalists at a press briefing at Jamaica House today, revealed that J$60 million is available for this.

“In 2008, I believe some J$80 million was put aside for our national celebration. A far more modest amount was done in 2012, which was in the region of J$40 million,” said Neita-Headley. “So that saved about J$40 million going into a pool that is already established, giving a total pool of J$60m.”

Neita-Headley also disclosed that although there won’t be a grand celebration, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has agreed to host the athletes at a special reception over Heroes’ weekend, which will be broadcasted live to the rest of the nation.

Howard Walker