CUC and TexacoSponsors Marion Jones' Visit
Marion inthe VIP lounge of Owen Roberts Airport on her arrival with KareemStreete Thompson and CUC's Debbie Bergstrom.
The Cayman Islands began playing host toworld superstar track athlete Marion Jones just before 2pm Wednesday,14 November.
Wearing the familiar smile she arrived hereto be greeted by Minister of Youth and Sport, the Hon. Dr FrankMc Field, Kareem Streete Thompson and CIAA President, Mr. BernieBush.
In the VIP lounge she was introduced toPermanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mr. CarsonEbanks, CUC representatives, Mr. Richard Hew and Ms. Caren Thompson,Texaco representative, Mr. Lesley Morico, National Athletics Coach,Mr Kenrick Williams and members of the media.
Ms. Jones said, "When the invitationcame I was very excited to come to the Cayman Islands. There wasno hesitation or second thoughts. People have to remember thatmy family is from the Caribbean, Belize."
She indicated that she was involved in helpingto develop the sport and sporting facilities in Belize. "Ihave established the Marion Jones Foundation to raise funds tohelp in the laying of an athletics track in Belize." Shehopes to learn from what is being done here in the Cayman Islandsand that Cayman will benefit from her visit.
CIAA President, Mr Bernie Bush said her visit will be a majorboost for continuing development of athletics in the Cayman Islands,which was within recent years reaping encouraging results.
Marion Jones has a packed programme of activitiesdesigned to raise funds for development of young Caymanian athletes.
She was scheduled to address students atthe Agape Family Worship Centre Thursday, be the guest speakerat a gala fundraising dinner Friday, open and participate in the'Marion's Mile' fundraising run/walk Saturday.
On Saturday evening she will attend a fundraisingeven hosted by the Belizean community for the relief effort followingdamage in that country by Hurricane Iris recently.
She leaves Cayman Sunday afternoon.