‘Gibson’ on point - J'can stars set for prestigious Relays on Feb 25

THE 36th staging of the prestigious Gatorade Gibson Relays set for Saturday, February 25 at the National Stadium was launched yesterday at the Knutsford Court Hotel with a promise to have a book documenting its rich history.

New chairman of the organising committee Professor Rainford Wilks, who took over from Neville 'Teddy' McCook, said the Kingston College-affiliated meet has made a significant contribution to Jamaica's development and particularly, to its youths.

"I wish to introduce to you a new idea which the committee has been discussing recently. We have decided that it is imperative the history of Gibson Relays be documented.

"This is an urgent task and the committee has identified several stakeholders, contributions and perspectives that must be recorded in this story," Wilks revealed.

The launch saw 37 sponsors picked and got their names etched onto the various track events, with the lucky ones drawing the eight most popular championship events.

The very popular Gibson Relays, which is normally the final main athletics meet before the ISSA Boys and Girls Championships, will see approximately 3,000 athletes and over 600 team officials participating in the event that will be aired live on television.

General Accident, Victoria Mutual Building Society (VMBS), Advance Scales and Equipment, Art Printery, Child's Play, Berger Paints, Gas Products and Guardian Life secured the top championship races.

Arguably, the stellar event will be the 4x100 Institution Mens Championship which was drawn by Advance Scales and equipment.

This race could see the University of the West Indies (UWI) Racers Track Club with the likes of world champions Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake taking on Asafa Powell, Nesta Carter and Michael Frater from the UTech-affiliated MVP Club.

Meanwhile, the 4x100 High School Boys Class I will be sponsored by General Accident; Art Printery secured the 4x800 High School Boys Open; Child's Play the 4x800 High School Girls Open; Berger Paints will colour the 4x400 Institution Men's Championship; the 4x400 High School Girls goes to Gas Products and the 4x400 High School Boys Open was secured by Dairy Industries.

Professor Wilks thanked the sponsors: "It gives me great pleasure to welcome all of you... on behalf of the organising committee and to reaffirm our sincere appreciation for your continued support. Special thanks to our host sponsor Gatorade," he said.

Ayanna Kirton, Gatorade's brand manager of main sponsor Pepsi Jamaica, said her organisation was proud to again be a part of the event.

"Gatorade is not be categorised as just another sport drink, but rather, through fact and scientific testing, it is noted to be the ultimate sports drink and is ranked the number one hydration beverage in the world

"We want to extend well wishes to the coaches, the athletes, particularly the sports department of the respective schools, and all those who will be participating at this year's Gibson Relays," she added.

Meanwhile, Professor Wilks, who will have the enviable task of filling McCook's shoes, said it was an honour to have been given the opportunity to chair the organising committee of the event which is in its 40th year and preparing to stage the 36th renewal of the famous meet.

"Most of it not all, persons here are aware that this committee has been chaired since its inception by Neville 'Teddy' McCook and his contribution to this product is well known.

"Mr McCook's leadership, decisiveness and overall administrative competence are legendary and the organising committee will be paying special tribute to him today," noted Wilks.

The organisers also paid tribute to two KC stalwarts who played an integral role in putting Gibson Relays on the map.

"This past year saw the loss of two stalwarts, Ivan 'Wally' Johnson and Howard Aris. The committee takes this opportunity to pay tribute to them and build on the strong foundation they have laid," said Wilks.

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