| The Jamaican education system has paved the way | | | | Jamaican athlete shine. One very important factor for |
| enabling the island's Olympic gold glory. Through its | | | | the country's success is, Jamaica has one of the best |
| physical education syllabus and its dedicated physical | | | | organized track and field programme in the world. |
| education teachers we now reap the benefits. The | | | | Although restrained by funding, the country still |
| coaches are also to be commended for their | | | | promotes track and field from as early as |
| dedication and effort in supporting athletes, helping | | | | kindergarten. In Jamaica we train body and mind to |
| them to stay focus. To be an Olympic medalist is | | | | achieve. Each year we look forward to which new |
| what every parent dream for his/her son or | | | | athlete will better a Usain, or a Veronica. All year |
| daughter, When Husain Bolt, Asafa Powel, Melaine | | | | round if you follow the country's sport calendar you |
| Walker, Veronica Campbell, Shelly Ann Frazer, all won | | | | will realize that there are always some sporting |
| Olympic gold medals In Beijing the world was | | | | activities taking place all across the island geared at |
| surprised, Jamaicans on the other hand were happy | | | | preparing our athletes. |
| not surprised. There is a history of producing medal | | | | There is the yearly sport day for all kindergarten and |
| winners in track events going as far back as the | | | | primary schools, high schools and college; at these |
| London Games of 1948. | | | | events students compete among themselves in |
| Jamaica will always be seen as a gold mine for | | | | organized house meets. Next there is the parish inter |
| athletics. The world may wonder at our success and | | | | school sports. From these the best are chosen for |
| what is the secret, some even imply that our | | | | the all island sports meets such as The J.T.A. primary |
| athletes do drugs. I recommend Jamaica as the ideal | | | | and all age schools meet and Boys and Girls Champs |
| place to educate your child and if s/he has athletic | | | | for high schools.The foundations for this fast running |
| talent it is one of the best places to develop that | | | | show was laid long ago in 1910, when Champs, an |
| talent. The hilly terrain is good practicing ground to | | | | event designed to discover and develop the best |
| develop muscles , strengthening heart and lung. | | | | school sprinters, was launched. There is the |
| capacity Many of our talents in track and field are | | | | intercollegiate and university sports with special |
| those who have ran miles over hilly terrains. The | | | | emphasis on track and field geared to keep Jamaican |
| yellow yam was given as one reason why Jamaicans | | | | athletes trained in Jamaica to represent the country |
| can run. The sickle cell trait that many Jamaicans | | | | instead of performing for other countries like the |
| posess and team work were also given as reasons | | | | USA and Canada. After these elimination and |
| for success in tract and field. | | | | screening we arrived at our best, selected to be |
| For such a small third world country Jamaica has a | | | | trained, and to compete on the international stage. |
| tradition of performance in track and field as in | | | | This is the point that athletes with raw talent are |
| Merlene Ottey, Donald arry, Author Wint, and many | | | | monitored by the Jamaica Amateur Athletic |
| others who have gone before. Jamaica has what is | | | | Association. With the correct funding Jamaican will |
| considered raw talent, pushed by motivation and a | | | | continue to collect glory medals internationally. |
| culture of competitive spirit ,all go to make the | | | | |