Bobsleigh, tackle football associations see ‘elite potential’ at recruitment drives

AFTER SIX pulsating stops, the National Tackle Football Association and Jamaica Bobsleigh Association will host another leg of their recruitment programme on Saturday at Jamaica College, with action set to start at 8:00 a.m.

Nelson ‘Chris’ Stokes, chairman and CEO of the Jamaica’s Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation, said the initiative is being conducted in an effort to rebuild the programmes. He also added that the partnership between the two is a perfect marriage as the skills and physical characteristics intertwine.

“We’re rebuilding. Hence we’re starting with a ‘back-to-the-well’ programme. We’re looking to identify bobsleigh talents from the length and breadth of Jamaica, so we’re doing an islandwide search for talents. There’s a synergy because some of the skills and physical characteristics that is used in American Football is also used in bobsleigh,” he explained.

Stokes added that part of his plan is to have the recruitment drive as a staple on the calendar.

“We’re very happy with what we’ve seen so far, but we could do more. One of the things that we want to do is to have it as a fixture on the calendar so that every year, we’ll have an islandwide search. We’re just building our domestic recruitment foundation that is more islandwide compared to previous years, where we had a one-day event at G.C. Foster,” said Stokes.

Todd Hays, national bobsleigh coach, who was appointed in the role in January said what he has seen has only served to confirm his beliefs about Jamaican athletes.

“I understand the level of athleticism and speed that is in Jamaica, which is the primary part of our sport. Getting here and starting to see the athletes all over the country kind of confirmed what I already knew,” said Hays.

Jerome Harriott, executive director of the National Tackle Football Association, said he was amazed by Jamaica’s potential in the sport.

“I’m actually very surprised with the type of athletes that have shown up, including the young ones. They have a lot of elite potential, and I see real potential with these guys and girls,” he stated.

Harriott added that players have shown great interest in the game, especially given the opportunities for scholarships and creating careers.

“A lot of them know the sport already and have studied the game. They are very eager and are looking at it as a great opportunity to advance their education and, possibly, make money,” said Harriott.

orane.buchanan@gleanerjm.com