Wesley Powell Memorial to make consideration for Hurricane Melissa-affected athletes

THE 22ND staging of the Wesley Powell Benjamin Track and Field Meet is set for Saturday, December 13 at Excelsior High School.

The launch was held yesterday inside the school’s auditorium, with organisers confirming an 8:30 a.m. start. The opening events will feature the High School Boys’ Open 5000 metres followed by the High School Girls’ Open 3000 metres. Both races will serve as qualifiers for next year’s ISSA Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships.

Other high school track events on the schedule include the 150 metres, 300m, 600m, along with the Open 1000m and the 4x300m relays. In the field, athletes will compete in the long jump, high jump, shot put, discus, and javelin. All field events will also serve as Champs qualifiers, with athletes earning ranking points.

Primary-school athletes will get their chance on the track as well, with competition in the Mixed 4x300m relay. There will also be Open events for clubs and colleges.

Meet manager David Riley noted that the event is now listed on the World Athletics Global Calendar and is fully sanctioned by the Jamaica Administrative Athletics Association.

“Also, we will do something special for schools in western Jamaica that suffered from the recent hurricane by providing them with free tents and assisting them with lunches,” he shared.

As is thata tradition, the meet will honour former standout past students who have made significant contributions to Jamaica and to Excelsior’s sporting programme.

Three individuals will be recognised this year: former Jamaica Netball Association President Marva Bernard, OD; Dr Audrey Stewart Hinchliffe, CD, health adviser to CARICOM; and legendary actor and playwright Carl Bradshaw, OD, who also once served as a track and field coach at Excelsior.

Guest speaker Dr Olivia Rose, consulting performance psychologist and sport sociologist, spoke passionately about rebuilding after Hurricane Melissa.

“Life is more than a slogan. Despite the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa — like a thief in the night landing in broad daylight — she did not take our spirit. Unity matters, and we will be courageous. We will rise again, because sport is an uplifting empowerment,” Rose said.

“Sport is a powerful tool, and the Wesley Powell Meet is not just another event. It supports the greats and represents a rebirth chapter,” she continued.

Among those present were former outstanding student Olympian sprint hurdler Ackera Nugent and national senior netball head coach Sasher-Gaye Henry.