KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – Cabinet has given approval for the establishment of a National Sports Museum on lands in the vicinity of the National Stadium.

Minister of Sports, Natalie Neita Headley, made the disclosure during a press briefing, held at the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) office, in Kingston, Tuesday.

The facility is being established by the Government to celebrate the achievements of Jamaica’s sportsmen and women.

Headley noted that the site chosen is along Arthur Wint Drive, beside the statue of legendary reggae singer, Bob Marley.

The minister added that construction of the museum is part of a wider plan to transform the National Stadium complex into a sporting village. When completed, the museum will boast a wide range of features.

“It will be an interactive museum…you will be able to have some audiovisual contact, and you will be able to do a little racing against an athlete of prominence. So, kids will come and enjoy it. We are appealing to the Diaspora (as) we will need additional funding and contributions to be able to get to the point of building,” Neita Headley said.

She informed that  some $39 million has been allocated in 2015/16 budget to undertake preliminary works.

“We have already gotten the land from the National Land Agency and this has already gone to Cabinet for approval. The Urban Development Corporation is (also) working along with us,” Neita Headley said.

She noted that a national competition will be held, so persons can participate in the design of the museum.