Jamaica to send 20 athletes to Summer Youth Olympics Games in Nanjing, China, August 16-28

BY HOWARD WALKER Observer senior reporter walkerh@jamaicaobserver.com  Friday, July 18, 2014 

JAMAICA will be sending 20 athletes to the Second Summer Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China, August 16-28 where they will participate in athletics, beach volleyball, swimming, and fencing.

But, more importantly, they will get the chance to experience first-hand other cultures.

Members of Jamaica's delegation to the Youth Olympics
in Nanjing, China, pose with minister with responsibility for
 sport, Natalie Neita-Headley

Mike Fennell, president of the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA), noted that the Youth Olympic Games are the ultimate multi-sport event for young athletes, but they are more than just competing and performing, it's about learning important skills, connecting to other cultures and celebrating the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect.

"It's a unique feature," noted Fennell. "The Youth Olympic Games is not just another sporting event. There is a compulsory element to it which is the Cultural Educational Programme. The idea is the development of the whole person," he said.

Christopher Samuda, JOA's general secretary, outlined that the organisation is firmly behind youth development and every encouragement will be given to assist.

"So our ensuring Jamaica's participation in the Nanjing Youth Olympics is born out of a duty, a responsibility we acknowledge we have to our youth and Jamaica's future," he added.

Jamaica will be a part of the Americas team and of course, track and field will be the strongest of the four sporting disciplines. Fifteen athletes have been selected with World Youth champions Jaheel Hyde (110m hurdles) and Martin Manley (400m) leading the charge. more