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Greenlight for Western Relays but no spectators

Published:Tuesday | February 8, 2022 | 4:34 PMAshley Anguin/Gleaner Writer
From left: Christopher Samuda, president, Jamaica Olympic Association, Denzil Wilks, general manager, Sports Development Foundation, Ray Harvey, Chairman, Western Relays, Chester McCarthy, Athletic Director, GC Foster, and Brian Smith, Assistant Secretary,
Ashley Anguin/Photographer
From left: Christopher Samuda, president, Jamaica Olympic Association, Denzil Wilks, general manager, Sports Development Foundation, Ray Harvey, Chairman, Western Relays, Chester McCarthy, Athletic Director, GC Foster, and Brian Smith, Assistant Secretary, Jamaica Athletic Administrative Association, at the official launch of the Western Relays at Deja Resort in Montego Bay earlier today.

Western Bureau:

Sponsorship and fundraising have saved the Western Relays, as the competition has gotten the green light to host its 43rd staging set for Saturday, February 12, at the GC Foster College of Physical Education and Sport in St Catherine.

During the launch at the Deja Resort in Montego Bay, St James, Ray Harvey, chairman of the organising committee, said there would be no spectators allowed because of how quickly the event was put together.

“It would have been great having spectators so we could collect some money at the gate, but at this time that is not the case. This is why our fundraising has been so important and we are so grateful to the sponsors who have come on board,” Harvey said.

Denzil Wilks, general manager of the Sports Development Foundation, said his organisation was duty bound to ensure that sports were supported in such a way that it could take advantage of Jamaica’s potential.

“The fact that it is taking place is an achievement and this will provide exposure to the athletes. Live streaming and filming will, I think, lift the spirits of the athletes,” Wilks said.

Previously called 'Comets Relays', since 1978 this event has been held on the second Saturday of February.

The major sponsors include Sports Development Foundation, Jamaica Olympic Association, WATA, Gibson McCook Relays, and Coca Cola.