All systems in place for hosting of Aliann Pompey Invitational

By Treiston Joseph 

All systems are in place for the successful hosting of the 2017 edition of the Aliann Pompey Invitational with most of the athletes already in the country awaiting the much-anticipated event on Saturday at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora.

At a press conference held at the Ramada Princess Hotel on Friday, Meet Director Aliann Pompey noted that “we are ready” in relation to the successful hosting of the event.

President of Athletics Association of Guyana, Aubrey Hutson, also chimed in sharing his thoughts on the event.

“Well, it’s important because of the international level it’s at and we hope that it will aid in us having successful bids for other event such as the 2020 Carifta Games, but it is very important to have such meets,” Hutson shared.

Hutson also declared that all technical arrangements are in place for the smooth running of the meet, which begins at 15:00h.

Meanwhile, 2003 100m World Champion, Kim Collins, expressed his enthusiasm to run at the event, highlighting his hope of putting on a sub-10 performance for the first time in Guyana and on the Leonora facility.

In addition, a number of top overseas Guyanese stars shared their expectations.

They include Guyana’s Women’s 100 and 200m record-holder Brenessa Thompson, World Junior silver medalist Kadecia Baird, South American gold medalist Winston George, former South American Under-23 bronze medalist Stephan James, top quarter-miler, Arinze Chance and sprint ace Jeremy Bascom.

Thompson shared that she is “happy” to run on home soil, while George expects to claim his rightful place as 400m champion.

Baird is hoping to defend her 400m title, but is focused on running the 200m well, which is the race she has been training for more this year, declaring that the 400m might be a bit “tough”.

James and Chance will run for the first time on the Leonora facility and both athletes expect to give of their best, while Bascom has noted that this is his “last year” of professional running and hopes to go out with a “bang”.

The event will start with an opening ceremony at 15:00h with general admission being $1,000 and VIP $5,000.