IAAF Jamaica's 21-member team will be among over 1,500 youth athletes set to compete at next week's 6th IAAF World Youth Championships, set for Bressanone, Italy.

The five-day, July 8-12, Cham-pionships is expected to have several battles, but before those battles start, the IAAF has arranged motivational speeches for the athletes.

In a release, the IAAF said, the motivational speeches were organised because it would be more than just competition on the track.

"It will also be about building friendships with their rivals from every corner of the world, and learning about the ethical values that enhance our sport. With this in mind, the IAAF is pleased to offer yet another unique experience to all the youth athletes who will take part in the competition," the IAAF release stated.

Learning experience

The young athletes will have the pleasure of being with, talking to and learning from athletes who have been Olympic champions, world champions or world-record holders.

The World Youth Masterclass will take place on Monday and will include motivational speeches from no fewer than six IAAF ambassadors, an antidoping workshop and a couple of warm-up sessions with some of the sport's all-time greatest athletes.

IAAF ambassadors who have responded positively and will pass on their knowledge and experience to the next generation include double Olympic champion Kelly Holmes and world and Olympic champion Maria Mutola whose rivalry and friendship over the years has marked the history of the women's 800m.

World-record holder at the same distance, Wilson Kipketer will also be present in Italy with World Indoor record holder in the high jump Kajsa Bergqvist, world long jump record holder Mike Powell and European 400m hurdles record holder Stephane Diagana.