Eighth Boyce/Jefford Classic launched in Linden

Jul 22, 2017 Sports, http://www.kaieteurnewsonline....-launched-in-linden/

Classic at Chicken’s Stag Bar on Republic Avenue, Linden with 21 international athletes gearing to compete against Guyana’s best on August 12-13 at the MSC Ground.
Director of Sport, Christopher Jones commended the organisers for hosting the event for the past eight years. Jones believes that the continuity of the Championships in Linden indicates the high level of commitment the organisers have to the community.
“The statistic will show you how much talent resides in Linden and National Sports Commission recognises this potential and thus lends support. Essentially, this activity is home grown and Linden-based,” Jones informed.
“Linden has been starved for resources. Lending support to the Classic is important to us as an Administration. Boyce and Jefford I want to commend you and ask that you ensure your Classic goes beyond eight years,” he added.
Jones said that he is certain that all the current crop of athletes in and out of Linden would have passed through the Classic. He said that these are the types of programmes to identify talent for the next level and encouraged more persons to develop such activities.
Mayor of Linden, Carwyn Holland echoed similar sentiments when he said that he is happy to see the Classic in Linden for yet another year. “Speaking on behalf of the Linden community, we are heartened to have this event here again,” Holland said.
He believes that the continued effort of the organisers to remain steadfast with a “signature event” in Linden shows enormous commitment to the community of Linden. Holland pleaded with ‘Lindeners’ to come out in numbers and show appreciation for the consistent confidence the organisers have shown in the community.
“These men have extended their arms to Linden and it is only fitting that we embrace them. I am very pleased to be here at this launch today, and I wish you all the best and encourage all Linden to come out and support this event,” Holland said.
The athletes confirmed to compete in Linden next month are from eight countries, including the United States of America, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, Bahamas, St. Lucia, Martinique, and for the first time at the meet, Uganda and Barbados.
This is according to Chairman of the Boyce/Jefford Committee, Colin Boyce, who said that those athletes will match strides with Guyana’s best from the participating clubs. He said that what was done is to match the talent here with overseas-based athletes.
According to Boyce, because of the continued absence of the synthetic track in Linden, they are left with no other choice than to invite ‘B’ Standard athletes to participate. Boyce said the meet is headed for the next level when the track is constructed in Linden.
The Clubs will compete for $2 million in cash with $1 million allotted to the winner; $500,000 to second place; $300,000 to third place and $200,000 fourth place. In addition, the competition has six international events, including the male and female 200m, male 800m, female 1500m and the male and female Long Jump.
Each of the international events carries at US$500 purse with US$250 for the winner; US$150 to second and US$100 for third. The male and female champion athletes will also cash in, running away with $50,000 each.
Eight gate prizes will also be given away to lucky ticket holders.
Children tickets are available at ZSK Beverage Depot only for $500, while all other tickets will be $1000 at the venue on the day. Movements Sound, DJ Winston, Father Moey and Determine Immortal Sound will be providing the Entertainment throughout the event.