THE 15th staging of the Lucozade Sports GC Foster Classic set for March 10 was launched yesterday at the Knutsford Court Hotel, with the hope of unleashing another phenomenal talent at the 2012 London Olympics.

In 2008, it was at this meet that Usain Bolt ran his first official 100m in 10.03 seconds and went on to illuminate the Bird’s Nest at the Beijing Olympics with three world records.

Bolt won the 100m in 9.69 seconds, the 200m in 19.30 and was part of Jamaica’s 4x100m relay team in 37.10 seconds.

Organisers of the meet could not confirm the participation of Bolt or any top athletes as the entries were just coming in, with an extended deadline of Monday.

With that in mind, Glaxosmithkline (GSK), producers of Lucozade Sports – Your Performance Partners – has pumped in $500,000 in its eighth year of sponsorship since taking over in 2005.

Christopher Cook, GSK’s consumer marketing executive, said Lucozade is an isotonic drink that replaces lost fluids and they want athletes to be in touch with good nutrition.

“We have been sponsoring GC Foster for eight years now and the reason for such loyal support is simply this: GC Foster is an essential part of positively enhancing sports in Jamaica,” said Cook.

He added: “The institution upholds the same values and beliefs we hold through our brand Lucozade sport which is helping athletes do more, feel better and live longer”.

The track and field meet is dubbed the “Last Chance Meet” as many schools will use it as the final opportunity to attain qualifying standard for the ISSA Boys and Girls Championship set for march month end.

Edwin Murray, past vice-principal of GC Foster, will be this year’s honouree at the meet that will run off at 9:00 am and is expected to surpass the record 90 schools that participated last year, said Ventley Brown, athletic director at GC Foster.

“This year’s Classic promises to be the best ever. Last year we have approximately 90 schools and I am almost sure this year will be much better,” said Brown.

Brown also pointed out that all the other local track and field meets predominantly catered to high schools but this Classic will give collegiate athletes a better chance to hug the spotlight.

Meanwhile Edward Shakes, principal of GC Foster, thanks Lucozade for their continued support of the event.

“On behalf of the college I would like to show our appreciation to Lucozade in continuing to engage,” said Shakes.

This relationship has been in place for eight years and we look forward to the deepening of the relationship. We once again show our appreciation to Lucozade Sports and I must say you are going to have a very successful weekend and we hope to have some outstanding performances,” said Shakes.

Maurice Wilson, meet organizer, said this year, all record breakers will benefit in either cash or kind. “This year we will have some attractive packages for all record breakers.

The 400m hurdles will open the proceedings followed by the 200ms and if time is on hand, the 4x400m relay open could be added to close the meet. There will also be an invitational 100m.

Other than the high schools, the local clubs and institutions expected to participate include: Racers, MVP, Swept, Sprint Tech, GC Foster, UTech and Akon