Athletics : international meeting is looking for sponsors
The Alberic Richards Stadium of Sandy Ground will host the 12th edition of the International Athletics Meeting of Saint-Martin on 7 May. Calvin Bryan, the famous local coach and President of the Speedy Plus Club, has organised the event in partnership with the Collectivité. During a press conference on 29 March, he announced the participation of international athletes.
The Americans, Lolo Jones (World Champion and Olympic specialist of the 100m hurdles race) and Dee Dee Trotter (two-time Olympic champion and a specialist of the 400m race), as well as the Anguillan, Zharnel Hughes (among the top five athletes in the world, specialist of the 100 and 200m races, currently in Usain Bolt’s team) have already confirmed their attendance. The organisation expects to receive 150 athletes from abroad. Many countries will be represented: Turkey, the USA, Liberia, Guyana, the Dominican Republic, Kenya, Vietnam, Jamaica, Trinidad… enough to attract the international media.
Calvin Bryan enthusiastically announced that in addition to once again being included on the IAAF calendar (International Association of Athletics Federations), the event now had the approval of the French Athletics Federation. "The competition is going to be very fierce," he said before adding: "The number and the quality of the athletes are the same as in Guadeloupe, but the budget is three times lower." The total cost of the meeting comes to €310,000. In addition to the human and logistical means that it is providing, the Collectivité has contributed €60,000. The Speedy Plus president is currently looking for sponsors.
By inviting stars to run, he has transformed the sport into an economic and touristic vector. The encounter between international athletes and young local sportsmen has given a social aspect to this meet. The morning will be devoted to school competitions for the French and Dutch sides, the Chicks, Babies, juniors and cadets will compete in the early afternoon. The international competition will begin at 4 pm. During this same press conference, Wendel Cocks, vice-president in charge of the economy and Thierry Gombs, Deputy Director-General of the Human Development Sports and Youth pole, asked private companies to bring their support, and stated: "After twelve years, it’s time for local economic actors to get involved in this social cohesion event".
