GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands (CMC) — World sprint sensation Usain Bolt is to run in the Cayman Islands for the first time, officials announced yesterday.

Bolt, the six-time Olympic gold medallist and world record holder, will compete in the second annual Cayman Invitational athletic meet in May.

Bolt will be joined by other world-class athletes, including Beijing Olympic silver medallist Kerron Stewart, Olympic record holder Melanie Walker, London Olympic bronze medallist Hansle Parchment, and London Olympic relay gold medallist Chris Brown.

Local heroes Kemar Hyman, Ronald Forbes, Jon Rankin, Carl and Carlos Morgan, and Tyrell Cuffy will also be competing.

“I’m looking forward to running in Cayman. I have not competed there before, but my coach was there last year and spoke well about the event,” said Bolt.

“Sprinting in the Caribbean is stronger than ever and it is great to see new track and field meets starting up. I hope my presence in Cayman will inspire the youth and contribute to the development of the sport.”

The second Cayman Invitational athletic meet is set for May 8 and features 12 track and two field events with over 80 professional track athletes at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex.

The event, organised by Cayman’s Commonwealth Games gold medal winner, Cydonie Mothersill of KyStar Athletics, is one of the biggest athletic track meets of its kind in the Caribbean.

“We are absolutely delighted we have been able to draw athletes of the highest calibre to participate in the 2013 Cayman Invitational and are sure that the high regard in which the event is already held has assisted us in attracting the likes of Usain Bolt,” said Mothersill yesterday when the announcement was made at a press briefing at the Marriott Hotel.

“It is our hope that young people in Cayman will be encouraged by watching their sporting heroes perform live and be motivated to achieve great things themselves.”

Bolt will be a major attraction for the event as the reigning Olympic champion in 100 metres, 200 metres and the 4X100 metres relay and the holder of the 100-metre world record of 9.58 seconds.