Jammin training day inspires next generation of stars

KINGSTON:

The National Stadium buzzed with activity recently as 40 of Jamaica's top preparatory-school athletes converged for the Jammin' Training Day, hosted by Reggae Jammin' in partnership with MVP Track & Field Club.

With arms slicing through the air and a surplus of youthful energy, the student athletes got the exciting opportunity to observe star athletes as they prepared for the national trials. Then, they participated in an MVP training session, rubbing shoulders with world-class coaches and members of the track club.

"The coaches and athletes of the MVP Track & Field Club considered it an honour and privilege to be given the opportunity to share our world-class training methods with these outstanding preparatory-school student athletes," said Bruce James, president, MVP Track & Field Club.

Racquel Watson, brand manager, Reggae Jammin' & Hamilton's Smokehouse, noted: "We were energised by the talent displayed by the athletes. All of them believe they can become the next Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce or Usain Bolt, and we're playing our role in helping them along the way, in a push to sustain Jamaica's rich heritage in athletics."

The promising student-athletes were drawn from Hydel, which topped the recently concluded Jamaica Independent Schools' Association Prep Schools' Athletics Championships for the 17th time and other schools, including: Ardenne, Belair, Emmanuel Christian Academy, Hillel, Knox Junior and Mona.

The athletes were divided into four teams, and a cadre of eminent coaches. Paul Francis, Michael Kerr, John Mair and David Riley, guided them through 20-minute sessions on sprinting, hurdling, relay exchanges and long jumping, respectively. The teams went on to compete against each other in long jump and a 4x100m relay.

Team White dominated the competition as Nando Meggs of Mona Preparatory and Taiwana Clarke of Hydel were named the Reggae Jammin' boy and girl of the camp. Meggs also leapt to 5.21 metres to secure the long jump win and Team White sprinted to victory in the 4x100m relay.

Corey Bennett, coach, Hydel Prep, spoke highly of the three-hour camp. "It was great to see the warm interaction between coaches and athletes, and the kids embraced the sessions with enthusiasm, and this will surely help to take them to the next level."