Robert Bailey, Freelance Reporter

Gibson Relays chairman, Neville 'Teddy' McCook. - File

Neville 'Teddy' McCook, chairman of the organising committee for the Gibson Relays, is expecting a wonderful 2008 for Jamaica's junior athletes.

McCook, who is also the IAAF area representative for the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) region was speaking at yesterday's launch of the 32nd staging of the prestigious relays at the Hilton Kingston hotel. The relays will be held on February 23 at the National Stadium.

"We are looking forward to excellent performances from our high school athletes, not only at Gibson, but also in Poland later this year," said McCook.

The World Junior Championships will be held in Bydgoszcz, Poland, from July 8-13.

Pepsi-Cola Jamaica, title sponsors for this year's event, has also increased the prize money pool for the Gatorade record breakers from $250,000 to $500,000.

Introduced in 2007, the Gatorade record breakers awards are an incentive programme to encourage excellence in national athletics and seeks to ensure continuation of Jamaica's heritage.

Develop potential

André Largie, brand manager of Pepsi-Cola, said the aim of his company is to help young athletes to develop to their full potential.

"There is no disputing that athletics plays a significant role in developing our young men and women who are today among the best athletes in the world," Largie said.

The relays will also serve as a qualifying meet for teams vying to compete at this year's Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

With this in mind, a number of overseas entrants are expected from Trinidad and Tobago, The Bahamas, Puerto Rico, The Netherlands Antilles, Barbados and The Cayman Islands.

There will also be the customary Championships Relays where winners receive commemorative watches.