Eighth Boyce/Jefford Classic launched in Linden set for Aug 12-13

Stakeholders of the Boyce and Jefford Track and Field Classic on Friday launched the eighth tournament of this classic at Chicken’s Stag Bar on Republic Avenue, Linden.
Some 21 international athletes will be competing against Guyana’s best on August 12-13 at the MacKenzie Sports Club (MSC) Ground.
Present at the launch, Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, commended the organisers for hosting the event for the past eight years. Jones believes that continuity of these Championships in Linden indicates the high level of commitment the organisers have to the community.

“The statistics will show you how much talent resides in Linden, and the National Sports Commission recognises this potential and thus lends support. Essentially, this activity is home grown and Linden-based,” Jones highlighted.
“Linden has been starved for resources. Lending support to the Classic is important to us as an Administration. Boyce and Jefford, I want to commend you, and ask that you ensure your Classic goes beyond eight years,” he added.
Jones said he is certain each athlete in the current crop of athletes in and out of Linden would have passed through the Classic. He said these are the types of programmes to identify talent for the next level, and encouraged more persons to develop such activities.
Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland echoed sentiments similar to Jones’s when he said he was happy to see the Classic being staged in Linden for yet another year. “Speaking on behalf of the Linden community, we are heartened to have this event here again,” Holland said.
He believes that continued effort of the organisers to remain steadfast with a signature event in Linden shows enormous commitment to the community of Linden. Holland pleaded with ‘Lindeners’ to come out in their numbers and show appreciation for the consistent confidence the Classic’s organisers have shown to the community.
“These men have extended their arms to Linden, and it is only fitting that we embrace them. I am very pleased to be here at this launch today, and I wish you all the best, and encourage all Linden to come out and support this event,” Holland said.
Apart from Guyanese athletes, the athletes confirmed to compete in Linden next month are from eight countries: the United States of America, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, Bahamas, St. Lucia, Martinique and, for the first time at the meet, Uganda and Barbados.
This is according to Chairman of the Boyce/Jefford Committee, Colin Boyce, who said those athletes will match strides with Guyana’s best from the participating clubs. He said that what was done is to match the talent here with overseas-based athletes.
According to Boyce, because of the continued absence of a synthetic track in Linden, the meet’s organisers are left with no choice other than to invite ‘B’ Standard athletes to participate. Boyce said the meet is headed for the next level when the track is constructed in Linden.
The clubs will compete for $2 million in cash, with $1 million allotted to the winner; $500,000 to second place; $300,000 to third place, and $200,000 to fourth place. In addition, the competition has six international events, including the male and female 200m, male 800m, female 1500m and the male and female Long Jump.
Each of the international events carries at US$500 purse, with US$250 for the winner; US$150 to second placed, and US$100 for third. The male and female champion athletes will also run away with $50,000 each.
Eight gate prizes will, moreover, be given away to lucky ticket holders. Children’s tickets are available at ZSK Beverage Depot for only for $500, while all other tickets would cost $1000 at the venue on the day. Movements Sound, DJ Winston, Father Moey and Determine Immortal Sound will be providing entertainment throughout the event.