The countdown has begun to the second edition of the Aliann Pompey Invitational athletics meet set for July 15 at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora. Commonwealth gold medalist, Aliann Pompey, has assured that the key elements that made last year a success will be present, including an international field, comprehensive list of events, dedicated sponsors and a spectator friendly schedule of events in addition to a few improvements.
Pompey, via a release, said, “I am excited for this year’s edition of the AP Invitational. Last year I committed to making it an annual event and this will be a true test of the ability to do so. I am grateful for the sponsors that have already committed and finalized their contributions. I am still working out the details with a few others, but I am confident that we’ll complete those shortly.”
She added, “It’s with great pleasure that we’ll be working with companies and organisations that will share the vision for sports, and recognise the different layers that are affected here. It’s a great way to continue to bring international exposure to Guyana’s shores. I got a bit emotional watching Kadecia, Brenessa, Devaun Barrington and others win on their home turf with commanding efforts. It should be the norm. We have such a talented group of athletes in the pipeline, we owe them an all of Guyana to ensure that this is a tradition.”
Pompey also revealed that athletes are already prepared to return to Guyana for the anticipated event.
“100% of the athletes that competed last year want to come back this year (except the two who have since retired). A lot of that was due to the amazing atmosphere the spectators created. The crowd was great and I hope even more people come out to support the event this year. To aid that, the cost of general admission will remain the same ($1,000) and VIP admission will be $5,000,” the four-time Olympian stated.
Eddie Lovett (USVI), Kenike Alexander (St. Vincent), Brycen Spratlin (USA) and Ashley Kelly (BVI) are just some of the international athletes, who will be returning to this year’s event.
Expected to return are also Guyana’s best from last year. 400m women’s champion Kadecia Baird, last year’s Fly Jamaica Women’s 100m champion Brenessa Thompson and GOA Men’s 400m runner-up Winston George will grace the event.
George will be challenged by Stephan James and Jermaine Griffith, who battled back and forth this season, each breaking the 400m indoor national record. Returning sponsors for the event are the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), IAAF, ConSudAtle and Ramada (Princess) Hotel.
The list of proposed events to be contested are: 100m (Premier event – Men and Women), 200 (Men and Women), 400m (Premier event – Men and Women), 110m hurdles (Men), 400m hurdles (Men and Women), 800m (Men and Women), 1500m (Women), 3,000m (Men), Triple jump (Men and Women), High Jump (Women), Shot put (Men) and Long Jump (Women).
