SEVERAL of Jamaica’s top performers in the recent Carifta Athletic Championships in The Bahamas are preparing to represent their schools at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia, USA, from next Thursday through Saturday.

Among them are Rochelle Burton of St Andrew High School, who won gold medals in both the 100m Under-17 hurdles and the Under-17 4×100 metres; Wolmer’s Boys’ Jaheel Hyde and Christoff Bryan, who brought home gold in the Under-17 110 hurdles and Under-20 high jump, respectively, and Kingston College’s Omar McLeod, gold medallist in the Under-20 400m hurdles, and Clive Pullen — gold medallist, triple jump, Under-20.

Several other gold, silver and bronze Carifta Games medallists are also gearing up for the Penn Relays.

Presenting sponsorship cheques to 10 schools sending teams to the USA next week, CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank’s Chief Financial Officer Lancelot Leslie said: “Jamaica is extremely proud of our athletes and CIBC FirstCaribbean is committed to helping you realise your dreams.”

Noting that this is the eighth consecutive year that the bank is sponsoring Jamaican schools’ participation in Penn Relays, Leslie told the teams: “We regard sports as integral to building discipline and focus among Jamaica’s youth.”

He added: “Do well, represent your country, your school and your families and bring home the gold.”