The Tribune

CHRIS “Fireman” Brown is confident of a successful Invitational Track & Field Meet in Grenada next April.

Brown, who recently visited the island to meet with key stakeholders, has been contracted as a consultant and athletes’ liaison for the inaugural Grenada Invitational.

The meet will be held at the National Athletic Stadium in St George’s on April 8, 2017.

“Things are shaping up to be very exciting. On the ground in Grenada I experienced the excitement and buzz from among the locals,” Brown said. “I was impressed with the facilities and the willingness from the stakeholders to get this thing done and this is a good sign.

“The athletes and coaches are excited about this invitational in Grenada and as an athlete I know what the expectations are. I think we’re off to a great start and the LOC is doing a good job on the ground and we want to keep that momentum going into the day of competition.”

As a competitor and meet organiser, the Bahamian five-time Olympian promises a memorable experience for Grenadians.

“Definitely,” Brown stressed. “God has blessed me to be able to compete and organise meets. I think this event will be history-making for Grenada and it’s a great feeling when you have this support and with God’s guidance. We expect the fans to come out and enjoy this event – a night full of excitement and a night to remember!”

The Grenada Invitational is the brainchild of Grenadian sports journalist Michael Bascombe who has attended many international sporting events, including the Chris Brown Bahamas Invitational in Nassau.

“Grenadians have been cheated of international track and field even though they have produced their fair share, including former World and Olympic 400m champion Kirani James,” Bascombe stated. “We have the facilities and the capacity and with the right people and approach we should deliver a successful event.”

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) is headed by Dexter Mitchell, a successful local events manager. Mitchell has been involved in the local entertainment industry for more than 15 years, including head of the Carnival Committee.

“Things are progressing very well. We’re in November and we’re preparing as if the meet is in January,” Michell projected. “A lot of plans are way advanced. The LOC is up and running. The sub-committees of the LOC are up and running. Everyone is excited.

“We’ve begun the process of touching base with potential sponsors, and they’re excited, and the media houses are also excited and waiting to come on board. I think generally we’re in full operational mode for the delivery of a fantastic event come April 8, 2017.”

The Grenada Invitational is sanctioned as an Area Permit Meet (APM) by the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC) and will be the first major track and field meet of the 2017 outdoor season.