Craig Simpson
Two time defending champions Craig Simpson and Aliana McMaster are ready to drop a 'three-peat' in the Proven David East Memorial Sporting Clays Challenge organized by the Driftwood Gun Club.
The shoot will be held at the picturesque Murphy Hill Estate over-looking the town of Ocho Rios on Sunday with a 9:30 am shotgun start.
It kicks off the first sporting clays shoot of the year for the Jamaica Skeet Club, which has robust calendar for 2023.
Simpson will have to battle over 100 competitors including three-time national shotgun champion Christian Sasso, who he got the better of by way of long-run in 2021, six-time national shotgun champion Shaun Barnes and nine-time national shotgun champion and current president Ian Banks as well as the very consistent Ray McMaster and Robert Yap Foo among others.
The Ladies section will be also be competitive as well with McMaster expecting to be challenged by her mother, five-time national shotgun champion Wendy McMaster, former national shotgun champion Marguerite Harris and a number of very good lady shooters.
The shooters will compete in various classes including A to E, Juniors, Sub-Juniors, Ladies and Hunters or beginners.
All the shooters are looking forward to this year's event which will be the first one which does not feature Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. It is expected that there will be on-course hospitality and lunch post- competition as well as the very popular prize giving and camaraderie among the competitors and members of the Jamaica Skeet Club.
The proceeds of the tournament will be used for the Driftwood Gun Club’s charities which are dominated by educational support in the Treasure Beach area in the parish of St. Elizabeth.
The club president, Christina East was happy to have Proven on board for the third consecutive year as title sponsor. She credited David East who passed away in 2020 with playing a pivotal in securing the venue as the home of the club's annual competition. East was a visionary club member who only wanted the best for sporting clays in Jamaica, hence the competition was named in his honour.
Alana Reid goes pro; signs with Auctus Global Sports
National Under-20 100m record holder, Alana Reid, is now a professional athlete after signing with Auctus Global Sports, the management company announced on Instagram on Monday.
“We proudly welcome our newest addition to the AMP Global Sports Family! Give a warm welcome to Alana Reid, a phenomenal athlete with a personal best of 10.92! Get ready to witness her unstoppable determination as she takes on new heights with us! Welcome aboard, Alana!” the post said.
She joins the likes of Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Akeem Bloomfield and Kenny Bednarek as a part of Auctus Global Sports.
Reid, who originally committed to competing on the NCAA circuit for the University of Oregon next season, has decided to turn professional after a remarkable 2023 season thus far.
The 18-year-old won the Class 1 sprint double at the ISSA Grace Kennedy Boys and Girls Championships in March, including her sensational 10.92 effort in the 100m. She ran 23.08 to win the 200m crown.
From there, Reid dominated with 11.17 to win Under-20 100m gold at the 50th Carifta Games in Nassau, The Bahamas in April.
In her first outing against pros, Reid ran 11.08 for third in the 100m final at the USATF LA Grand Prix on May 27.
Porus Football Festival to kick-off on June 7
The highly anticipated Porus Football Festival, an annual tournament that has captivated football enthusiasts since its inception in 2016, is set to kick off on June 7th, 2023.
The event, co-founded by former JFF president Crenston Boxhill and Manchester Businessman Karam Persad, has experienced remarkable growth over the years and has become one of the premier football tournaments in Jamaica.
After a brief hiatus due to the global pandemic, the Porus Football Festival made a triumphant return in 2022, attracting a record number of participating teams and an unprecedented night attendance that exceeded 2000 patrons on a weekday. This remarkable success has cemented the event as one of the few night football tournaments in Jamaica.
Spanning six weeks, the Porus Football Festival will showcase the skills and talents of 16 competing teams vying for the grand prize of $250,000.
The tournament will culminate on July 16th with a star-studded celebrity football match, promising the presence of legendary football figures such as Theodore ‘Tappa’ Whitmore and Walter Boyd, who delighted thousands of fans in the previous edition.
Adding to the excitement, the closing night will feature a spectacular concert, which is expected to rival prominent music festivals like Reggae Sumfest.
Last year's event boasted electrifying performances by renowned artists such as Bounty Killa, Beenie Man, Joshie, and a host of other top talents, captivating a packed venue of 10,000 spectators.
This year, the Porus Football Festival promises to deliver an equally sensational experience, with over 500 returning Jamaicans from across the diaspora anticipated to grace the event.
However, due to the severe weather system currently affecting Jamaica, the organizers made the difficult decision to postpone the festival's initial start date of June 4th to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, staff, and attendees.
This precautionary measure reflects the organizers' commitment to delivering an unforgettable experience while prioritizing the welfare of everyone involved.
The Porus community, renowned for its warm hospitality and love for football, eagerly anticipates the rescheduled Porus Football Festival on June 7th. The event promises to be a spectacle of talent, excitement, and entertainment, exemplifying the spirit of sportsmanship and unity.
Jamaica U17 Men’s Basketball program selects 50-player training group for Centrobasket U17 Championship
The Jamaica U17 Men's National Team Program has selected fifty players who will form the training cohort for the upcoming Centrobasket U17 Championship in Belize City, Belize.
The group will undergo rigorous training and compete alongside players from international try-outs, all with one common goal – to bring the gold medal back to Jamaica.
The journey begins with intensive training in regional cohorts, where these young athletes will receive specialized coaching and development. The regional cohorts will be based in St. James, Mandeville, St. Catherine and Kingston & St. Andrew. This comprehensive training program aims to enhance their skills, foster teamwork, and strengthen their mental and physical resilience. The players will dedicate themselves to honing their craft, working tirelessly to elevate their game to new heights.
To further their progress, the players will come together on weekends at the P.H.A.S.E. 1 National Training Centre. This unique opportunity allows them to train side by side, sharing experiences, pushing each other to the limit, and building the camaraderie essential for a successful team.
Prior to their departure for Belize, the athletes will showcase their skills and compete at the highly anticipated P.H.A.S.E. 1 Hoops Invitational on July 4th at GC Foster College in Spanish Town. This event will serve as a platform for the players to demonstrate their talents and gain valuable game experience.
Selected players will also embark on an exciting journey to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, from July 5-10, to participate in an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) event. This international exposure will test their abilities against top-tier competition, further sharpening their skills and expanding their basketball horizons.
Upon their return, the select players will reunite with the local and international Jamaica U17 cohort members for a final training camp at the Jamaica Basketball Star Search Camp, scheduled for July 16-22. This crucial period will be marked by intense training sessions, strategic game play analysis, and a keen focus on team chemistry.
"Our aim is to build a team that exemplifies intense defence, unwavering toughness, and a never-give-up attitude. We are focused on instilling these core values into our players through rigorous training and creating an environment that fosters growth and unity. We believe that with the right preparation and mindset, we can achieve greatness on the international stage" according to Wayne Dawkins, technical director for the Jamaica U17 National Team Program
Following the arduous training journey, the final selection will be made, and the chosen team will embark on their journey to Belize, to compete in the highly anticipated Centrobasket U17 Championship from July 26-30. It will be a momentous occasion as these young athletes proudly represent Jamaica, fuelled by passion, determination, and an unwavering desire to bring home the coveted gold medal.
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