KINGSTON, Jamaica — World Athletics boss Lord Sebastian Coe who arrived in Jamaica on Sunday says he will be placing emphasis on assisting schools damaged by Hurricane Melissa, as he believes that’s the cradle of Jamaica’s international success.

Lord Coe, who is making his third visit to the island in recent times following trips in 2017 and 2022, on Sunday met with Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports, Olivia Grange.

Coe, who became president of World Athletics in 2015, stressed that he will be primarily focussing on supporting the recovery of Jamaica’s sports infrastructure following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.

Coe, a lover of Jamaica’s High School Athletics championship called “Champs”, said that’s the programme that produced the outstanding athletes from the small island to be dominating the world.

“Tomorrow (Tuesday) I will see for myself some of the work that is still going on in your schools’ programme that is again, such a distinguishing feature of Jamaica,” said Coe, at a welcoming function for him at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Monday night.

“I’m always conscious that there is no coincidence between what goes on at the very highest level on the podium and the vibrancy and quality and health of your schools programme,” he noted.

“That is absolutely essential. For those of you who coach at that level, thank you because it doesn’t go unnoticed”.

Coe was expected to visit Montego Bay on Tuesday to inspect the Montego Bay Sports Complex, which suffered damage during the hurricane.

– Howard Walker