MVP intends to continue grassroots programme tradition

MVP Track and Field Club's production of several accomplished athletes is no secret. The hierarchy intends to make this a tradition.

For the club's ninth staging of their Islandwide Grassroots Athletic Training Camps, secondary-school athletes age 12 to 18 have been invited to attend one of three Advanced Level Training Camps in each county this month.

"Over 100 schools from all 14 parishes in Jamaica have been invited, and we have almost exceeded the targeted number of participants," MVP President Bruce James said.

The club said they are excited to continue this initiative, as several world-class athletes have benefited from the programme.

"Following up on our excellent results in Budapest at the World Athletics Championships, we are compelled to continue sharing our knowledge and training methods with the student-athletes and, importantly, their coaches across the three counties in Jamaica.

"A highlight in Budapest was when a participant in our 2016 MVP Grassroots Training Camps won gold in the 400 metres. This athlete is Antonio Watson," MVP Head Coach Paul Francis noted.

The Cornwall Advanced Level Training Camp will happen at the Montego Bay Sports Complex, St James, this Saturday. This will be followed by the Middlesex Advanced Level Training Camp, to be hosted at the G.C. Foster College, St Catherine, on November 18. The third of the Advanced Level Training Camps, slated for Surrey, will be held inside the National Stadium, Kingston, on November 25.

A cadre of outstanding Jamaican international experienced coaches, led by MVP's Francis, will guide over 120 student-athletes through the six track and field disciplines of hurdling, sprinting, throwing, jumping, distance running and relays.

MVP Track and Field Club's athletes have visited the training camps to interact with aspiring student-athletes over the years.

According to MVP, the student-athlete's training experience will be enhanced by one of the world's top apparel companies, Puma, providing gear. WATA and Powerade are expected to keep the student-athletes hydrated, with NCB and the NCB Foundation sharing financial literacy solutions with them. Best Dressed Chicken is expected to support the nutritional needs of the participants.

Meanwhile, MVP says the Sports Development Foundation will also be assisting in staging the invitation-only camps, with Digicel being the telecommunications partner.