The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) said it is actively exploring ways it can help student athletes in western Jamaica recover and compete at their best levels.

Schools in western Jamaica had their preparation for the track and field season significantly challenged following the passage of hurricane Melissa in late October and most are still struggling and have been asking for assistance.

Ludlow Watts, treasurer of the JAAA, made a commitment to find ways to help the schools during last week’s trip to Westmoreland where members of the association delivered care packages at a meeting held at Manning’s School.

It was the second trip to western Jamaica by the JAAA following a similar visit led by President Garth Gayle to Hanover a week earlier and included General Secretary Marie Tavares, Brian Smith and Trevor Campbell, who met with a number of coaches and athletes, who were all affected by the hurricane.

Representatives from Frome Technical, Petersfield High and Godfrey Stewart High were present and Watts said, “Our being here on the ground is significant. We could have sent down the packages by bus, but we decided to come and see the devastation and the hardships that these athletes are experiencing. These athletes and coaches now understand that we stand with them as they strive to develop in the sport.”

“Talking to the kids helped him to better understand their needs. The kids have been honest. Some of them have lost everything, including their uniforms, and we empathise with them. They expressed the fact that they may not be able to go to [the ISSA] Champs because they lack so much, in terms of training and equipment. We have not made a definite commitment, but we are looking at specific areas where we can be of assistance to these schools in the west,” said Watts through a release from the JAAA.

“We will be looking at areas in which we can assist. We will be providing some assistance to enable them to compete in athletic meets further on. We will also be looking at providing some amount of uniforms so that they will be able to attend school,” Watt was quoted to have said, adding the gift packages, which were provided with the assistance of their main sponsors Puma, “[are] just a little symbol to say we know you are suffering and we are here for you”.

Watts also said the JAAA has been quietly doing a lot to assist athletes in general.

“The association is mindful of the current situation and we are actively looking at how we can help as many athletes to get back on their feet and compete. It is our duty,” he concluded.