Grange pledges $10 million to Racers Grand Prix

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia 'Babsy' Grange has committed a total of $10 million to this year's staging of the Racers Grand Prix. Grange made the announcement yesterday at the track meet's event launch at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel.

With the Racers Grand Prix set for June 1 at the National Stadium, Grange made the monetary contribution towards the meet's operations.

She explained the Racers Grand Prix falls in line with the government's policy towards sports development and the contribution represents their commitment to the development of track and field in Jamaica.

"As sports minister, I will continue to endorse the Racers Grand Prix as it plays an important role in the bolstering of the government's mandate," she said. "The national sport policy outlines our commitment to the development and promotion of sports on all levels. In fact, we're now revising our sports policy to expand its reach as we grow and we expand the sports landscape," Grange said.

Grange took the time to praise the importance of the Racers Grand Prix in the nation's athletic calendar.

She described the annual track meet as a 'staple of Jamaican track and field' and said it provides the perfect platform for athletes to continue their development towards international achievement.

"As a staple of the Jamaican track and field event calendar, Racers Grand Prix is a testament to the benefits of competition on sport development. It aids in the honing of skills and techniques associated with each event.

"Competition forces athletes to push beyond their comfort zones and strive for excellence, enhancing mental toughness and resilience."

The sports minister also acknowledged the efforts of Jamaican athletes. She said the work done by the athletes has brought continued positive global attention to the island as they continue to excel at international competitions.

She acknowledged the support by the Jamaican public who have continued to support the athletes through their career, and highlighted the fact that each achievement brings a sense of unity through a 'shared passion' to the public.

"It is not only the idea of running, jumping and throwing that brings us together, but the shared passion and pursuit of sporting excellence. When I look at the athletes present, they train so hard, they have to stay focused and sometimes it's really hard on them.

"So I especially want to recognise them and to say that when you run, when you throw and when you jump, you have a nation of three million people behind you and you have a diaspora that is larger than the population of Jamaica that is also supporting you," Grange said.