THE Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) yesterday announced a delegation numbering 135 athletes and 40 officials for the XXII Central American & Caribbean (CAC) Games to be held in Veracruz, Mexico from November 14-30.

Though lacking the star power of more prestigious Games, officials from the JOA noted the CAC Games’ contribution to youth development, in addition to its importance in providing opportunities for fringe athletes.

Jamaica will compete in 14 sporting disciplines. They are track & field; male football; female and male badminton; female and male basketball; cycling; fencing; female and male hockey; female rugby; female and male squash; female and male table tennis; taekwando; triathlon; tennis; and beach volleyball.

The president of the JOA Michael Fennell said Jamaica have “deep interest in the success” of the CAC Games especially since the country hosted it in 1962 at the National Stadium.

The overall expense of the 2014 CAC Games will be covered through the combined efforts of the Central Government of Mexico as well as the city and state of Veracruz. A total of 31 countries are set to participate.

Mexico have staged the Games on three previous occasions, however this will be the first time it will be held outside of Mexico City.

The JOA will provide $45 million funding towards the participation of the Jamaican teams.

Raul Mendoza-Gallo, head of Cooperation, Commercial and Cultural Affairs at the Mexico Embassy in Jamaica, is hopeful that the CAC Games can “help to continue the friendship” between his country and others in the region.

He said Mexicans are ready to host the over 5000 athletes expected to converge on Veracruz.

“According to the reports from the organising committee two weeks ago, all the facilities are ready and the accommodation is already booked for all athletes. The government of Veracruz has been organising these Games from 2009 so they have taken all into consideration for the logistics so we are going to have very excellent Games,” he told the Jamaica Observer at the press conference at the JOA’s headquarters on Cunningham Avenue.

Dr Praimanand Singh, chef de mission for the Jamaica delegation, said steps will be taken to minimise travel and accommodation glitches which may arise.

“There can usually be a little bit of hiccup with accommodation or flight arrangement, but what we try to do is make sure one of our general managers take charge of those areas to lessen the chances of those things happen. Two of them will go a few days ahead to check on all those.”

Dr Singh also said that measures have been put in place to ensure athletes are knowledgeable as it relates to drug testing and substances on the World Anti-Doping Agency banned list.

“Like all Games we expect our athletes to be tested. Our medical team has sensitised them and we have asked each team manager to make sure athletes are well aware of the current prohibited list,” he said.