Anthony Foster, Star Writer

A contribution of US$15,000 (J$1.2 million) to the Jamaica Bobsleigh Federation by the Sports Development Foundation (SDF) has provided some much-needed assistance to one of the countries most expensive sports.

The contribution, from the government agency, which took place at the SDF's Phoenix Avenue headquarters, is to go towards preparations for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada.

Ludlow Watts, general manager of the SDF, while saying it was a pleasure to assist the Bobsleigh Federation, added that his organisation handed out $191 million to sports associations and government institutions last year.

Although this is a fraction of the US$73,000 needed for the financial year, which ends in April, Jamaica Bobsleigh Federation General Secretary Chris Stokes was heartened by the quick response from the Ministry of Sports through the SDF.

Stokes pointed out that bobsleigh was the second-most expensive Olympic sport as it is estimated to cost €4,000 for a set of runners for one sled. Teams normally up have up to three sets of runners per sled.

A new sled could cost upwards of US$40,000 before customisation.

envy of marketing

Stokes said persons have questioned why Jamaica participated in such an expensive sport, but Stokes said the publicity Jamaica gets, is "the envy of marketing companies up and down Fifth Avenue in New York. They want to know how to do it".

The Jamaica Bobsleigh Team debuted at the 15th Olympic Winter Games in 1988 in Calgary, where it achieved and has subsequently sustained unprecedented popularity in the Winter Games.

The team members, all born and bred Jamaicans, are captain and driver Hannukkah Wallace and pushers Marvin Dixon, Joel Alexander and Garnett Jones.

Guest speaker, Minister of Sports Olivia Grange, gave her full support to the team.

"I'm so happy to be here this morning to be a part of the handing over of money to the team and I know that this team has the potential for being the hottest thing on ice," said Grange.