Hampton still looking for $.3m

At a media launch of the competition yesterday in the VIP Lounge of the stadium, Hampton Games president Rawle Raphael said his association has received the promised $500,000 from the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs.

However they are still awaiting another $300,000 from the Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SCOTT).

Raphael said the initial $2.6 million budget was turned down and he told the media yesterday that he had been banking on a scaled down price tag of $800,000 for the games to come off.

He added that from the $800,000 presented by Government, $500,000 had been allocated towards airfare, accommodation fee for international athetes, as well as appearance fee which ranges from US$10,000 to US$60,000 for each athlete.

He said that the additional $300,000 will be used to purchase prizes.

Meanwhile a host of high-profile athletes have been invited to the games and among them are top TT sprinter Marc Burns.

According to Raphael, Darrel Brown was also invited but was told that he is still injured.

He pointed out that a number of other top international TT athletes are also uncertain, such as shot putter Cleopatra Borrel- Brown and Sheridan Kirk.

Among others who have confirmed their participation however are 2004 Olympic Games gold medallist Joanna Haynes of the US who will compete in the 100 metres women’s hurdles.

She will be accompanied by her compatriot Vonette Dixon.

In the high jump for women Ann Louise Larsen, a finalist at the US Championship and Marissa Uzoara, the 2005 NCAA silver medalist are listed to take part.

Ron Bramlet is a guest athlete for the 110-metres hurdles for men while the feature 100-metres sprint is dominated by Trinidadians.

Burns leads the field along with Jacey Harper and Aaron Armstrong. Another top sprinter Brendan Christian, a finialist at the NCAA this year from Antigua is also expected to run.

In the 200 metres Jamaica’s Christopher Williams, the 2005 Commonwealth Games bronze medalist will face Armstrong, Christian and Harper, as well as Xavier Brown, who is also from Jamaica.