MVP west - Milo Relays set to sizzle

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

The 2012 Milo Western Relays, which is set to unfold at Catherine Hall Stadium in Montego Bay this afternoon, will be an historic affair as, for the first time in its illustrious 34-years history, the one-day championship will be staged as a day/night event.

Already boasting a loaded line-up with a host of stars from the MVP Track club, the meet has taken on even greater appeal.

"Having seen how the fans came out in the late afternoon/night for last year's LIME CARIFTA Games, which was staged right here at Catherine Hall, we have decided to switch the time to suit their obvious preference," said meet director Ray Harvey. "In addition, the athletes tend to do better in the cool of the evening."

The event, which carries a sponsorship tag of over J$1.7m and features action in three categories - prep/primary, high school and club/institution - will start at 1 p.m. and conclude under floodlights at approximately 9 p.m.

Main drawing card

The MVP Track Club, which has been a permanent fixture on the Milo Western Relays radar in recent years, will again be the main drawing card with its battery of stars to include Olympians Asafa Powell, Sherone Simpson and Brigitte Foster-Hylton.

"MVP will be reporting with its stars, and with this being a Olympic year, we are expecting to see the athletes at their best," said Harvey. "We are also expecting the high school stars, to sparkle, as this event is seen as precursor to the Gibson Relays and the boys and girls championship."

Among the high schools that are expected to grace the Catherine Hall track in search of glory today are the likes of Kingston College, Wolmer's, St Elizabeth Technical High School, Munro College, Holmwood, Edwin Allen, Manchester High School, Cornwall College, Herbert Morrison, Green Island, and Rusea's.

While the Olympians will be out measuring their state of readiness ahead of this year's summer Olympic Games in London, the high-school athletes will have an additional incentive in the form of $360,000 in prize money, which will be on offer for the specially designated championship events.

The championship events are the Class One boys and girls 4x100m, the 4x400m Open and the 4x800m Open. The winners will receive $30,000, second place - $15,000, third place - $10,000 and fourth place - $5,000.

During today's event, two of the nation's two most exciting young prospects, world youth 100m gold medallist Odail Todd of Green Island High School; and Chanice Porter of Manchester High School, will be presented with The Gleaner/Youthlink awards, which is offered to one outstanding male and out outstanding female athlete each year.