Adrian Frater, News Editor

WESTERN BUREAU:

WHEN THE 29th Milo Western Relays begin at Catherine Hall Stadium in Montego Bay this morning, track fans will be in for a special treat as headlining the impressive array of star athletes will be world's fastest man and woman - Asafa Powell and Sherone Simpson.

In addition to Powell, the 100m world record-holder and his Maximum Velocity Performance (MVP) teammate Simpson, who was the fastest woman over 100m last year, the one-day championship, which will feature over 100 high schools, clubs, tertiary institutions and preparatory and primary schools, will also feature the vast majority of the nation's top senior and junior athletes.

"This is a World Championship year so I am expecting that all the athletes will be turning up in a positive frame of mind," said meet director Ray Harvey. In fact, I strongly believe that this year will be our best year ever."

Top performances

Powell and Simpson aside, extraordinary performances are also expected from the likes of World Championship silver medallist Lindel Frater, who copped the 'Most Outstanding Athlete' award last year; top-flight female hurdler Bridgette Foster-Hylton, exciting quarter-miler Jermaine Gonzalez and rising stars Sonita Sutherland and Kaleise Spencer.

In addition to being seen as a prelude to World Championships and the ISSA/Grace Boys and Girls Championships, among other top-flight local meets, this year's Milo Relays should bring additional financial benefits to the top athletes with Milo's sponsorship moving up from last year's $500,000 to a record $700,000, the organisers have improved the cash package on offer to athletes.

Larger sponsorship package

"Milo has given us a larger sponsorship package this year so we have decided to increase the incentive package to the outstanding athletes," said Harvey. "Also for the first time this year, we have decided to offer a $200,000 scholarship to one of our promising coaches."

The breakdown of cash incentives is as follows: Most outstanding male team - $20,000, Most outstanding female team - $20,000, Most outstanding western female team - $10,000, and Most outstanding western male team - $10,000.

With brand sponsors Milo challenging the organisers to expand the championship from a one-day to possibly a four-day meet, this year's event could well be the last time that this popular championship is staged in its current format.

"We believe the event is now sufficiently established so that it can move from one to four days," said Milo executive Kenneth Dodd. "In fact, we are issuing a charge to the organisers to look in that direction as Milo is willing and ready to support such a move."