AS THE 18th Commonwealth Games draw to a close in Melbourne, Australia, we salute the outstanding performances of the Jamaican team adding yet another superlative chapter to our sporting heritage.
Like two years ago, on the occasion of the Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, the fires of national pride have again been stoked by gold medal-winning displays on the international stage by the island's premier track and field athletes.
The potential long-term gains in goodwill 'down under' could be huge. Athletics has drawn massive daily crowds of 80,000 to the world-famous Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The ingredients for a special showing by Jamaica at the XVIII Games were always there. In fact, several knowledgeable local commentators had, leading up to the Games, predicted a record medal haul on the track in Melbourne.
Medals are, however, not won on paper. It was important that the athletes reached Melbourne in good health and be provided with the equipment to compete at their utmost. For this the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) under its long-serving president Mike Fennell, his management and other support teams must be commended.
Then there are also the sponsors. International sports equipment firm, Puma, has played a major role and has reaped rich rewards for linking its brand with a winning team. Local communication firm, Digicel, and the Australian organisers have also played huge roles in getting the team to Melbourne. Fifty per cent of the cost of travel was paid by the Games organisers.
Jamaica's performance has been helped in no small measure by the lead roles played by the island's premier athletes who made the sacrifice to make themselves available outside of their regular outdoor season which usually begins in April.
It is of particular significance to note that several gold medallists, including men's 100 metres winner, Asafa Powell, women's 200 metres gold medallist, Sherone Simpson, and 100 metres hurdles winner, Brigitte Foster-Hylton, are all based locally and have reached world standards by utilising facilities in Jamaica.
The medals have all, to date, come in track and field but athletes from the other sports have, no doubt, played their part in providing moral support and should share in the success. Local fans across the island have no doubt revelled in yet another pleasing display of Jamaican excellence at a significant international level that the Commonwealth Games provide.
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