NEWLY-ELECTED president of the Jamaica Masters Athletics Association (JMAA) Leo McEwan, who represents athletes 35 years and over, says he will be trying to change the perception of his organisation “from leisure activities to one where it is taken seriously”.

McEwan was elected for a two-year term on February 14 at the annual general meeting held at Ardenne High, with Dennis Reid vice-president, Errol Grant general secretary, Winston Laidlaw treasurer and Dr Maynard McIntosh auditor.

McEwan says one of his main objectives would be to “unify the body which had been suffering from a split based on various differences among certain members”.

He noted that he was “looking forward to an exciting new chapter of the organisation’s history being written under his presidency”.

McEwan stressed that he would be “doing all with the co-operation of members to make the association relevant to the needs of the persons it represents.

“I will also be working to attract new members from all over the island in an effort to spread the message of the association beyond the shores of Kingston and St Andrew,” he said.

“Areas of particular focus for the association over the next two years include becoming more visible within the Jamaican sports fraternity, participation in overseas Masters track meets such as the World Masters Championships, Penn Relays and the North American, Central and Caribbean Championships and the holding of a Jamaican Masters Championships.

“To this end, the association will be trying to align itself with sponsors in an effort to assist with aspects of this thrust,” he pointed out, under the JMAA motto, “promoting a healthy approach to life after 35”.