Barbados set to host inaugural grand prix athletics meet on July 5

Barbados’ top track and field athletes are set to converge at home this summer, reigniting fierce rivalries and lighting up the Usain Bolt Sports Complex with the launch of a brand-new professional athletics meet—the Barbados Grand Prix—scheduled for July 5.

The event is the brainchild of CARIFTA bronze medalist and former Harrison College standout, Aren Spencer.

Several of the island’s top athletes have already committed to competing in the highly anticipated, World Athletics-sanctioned event, where they will race for a first-place prize of US$2 000.

A total of 60 competitors are currently registered, with the number as to rise to 104 with the likes of Olympian Mario Burke, Julian Forde, CARIFTA medalists Jayden Green, Aragon Straker, Teon Haynes, Amani Mascold-Beckles, Jaquone Hoyte, Darian Clarke and Kuron Griffith set to headline the men’s sprints.

Junior world bronze medalist Kishawna Niles, Khristel Martindale, Alika Harewood and Trinidad’s Commonwealth Games gold medalist Michelle-Lee Ahye will be attending.
Thirteen events are carded, including 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, sprint hurdles, long jump, and shot put for men only.

Chairman of the committee Andre Procope outlined the format.

“VGGEach athlete is only allowed to compete in one event, so that opens it up quite a bit. The coaches will have to draft strategically. That spreads the prize money around as well. Each team will have two managers and coaches assigned to them. It will add to the level of excitement and competition that you will see. We also have two relays scheduled and teams will get points. We plan to put on something very special for everyone in Barbados. We want to make it a real spectacle and something that Bajans will enjoy,” he said.

(BT)