http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/Kirani__Collins_for_National_Champs-159522035.htmlKirani, Collins for National Champs
NGC on board as Gold Sponsor
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Jun 18, 2012 at 11:36 PM ECT Kirani James and Kim Collins are expected to be on show at this weekend's NAAA (National Association of Athletics Administrations) Sagicor/NGC National Open Track and Field Championships, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain.
At a press conference, held at the VIP Lounge of the Crawford Stadium, yesterday, NAAA secretary Allan Baboolal said that James and Collins will represent their respective countries in relay events.
James, winner of the men's 400 metres title at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, will be part of the Grenada 4x400m team that will target a fast time in its bid to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games.
And Collins, the 2003 100m world champion, is a member of the St Kitts and Nevis 4x100m quartet that will compete on the weekend, also with an eye on the London Games.
At yesterday's press conference, NAAA president Ephraim Serrette said that the National Gas Company (NGC) has come on board as a Gold Sponsor of the Championships, donating $250,000 to match the contribution of Sagicor.
NGC has been involved in track and field locally through its Right On Track programme. The coaching caravan, the brainchild of 1976 Olympic 100m champion Hasely Crawford, has unearthed talent in rural areas.
NGC has also played a key role in the development of track and field in the region through its sponsorship of the Carifta Games.
Curtis Mohammed, a vice-president at NGC, said yesterday that his company is committed to a continued relationship with the NAAA.
