Howard Aris - File

There is good news for the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association's (JAAA) pre-competition training camp for the country's athletes competing at the August 27 - September 4, 2011, IAAF World Championships in Athletics in Daegu, South Korea, after organisers finally managed to secure enough rooms for the Jamaican delegation that will be travelling to there.

JAAA bosses are, however, yet to get confirmation from their contacts in South Korea about the training, gym, and medical facilities that will be made available to the team during the maximum five-day camp.

While there are several details still to be ironed out in the coming days, JAAA officials are expecting everything to be wrapped up before the end of this weekend's JAAA/Supreme Ventures Limited National Senior Championships at the National Stadium, which will be used to select the team to the IAAF World Championships in Athletics.

When contacted yesterday afternoon, president of the JAAA, Howard Aris confirmed that the camp was back on and validated the developments regarding the accommodations. Aris was, however, quick to point out that several other assurances needed to be made by the South Korean authorities before the issue could be put to bed.

training facilities

"We received some news very early this (Monday) morning from the Local Organising Committee (LOC) in South Korea that they have identified some rooms for us at the Grand Daegu Hotel, which is what we wanted originally, and they are now to come back to us with the specifics in terms of the training facilities that they will be providing to us," said Aris.

"We are in continuous discussion with them and we are hoping to have all the answers that we need soon," Aris added. "We have to get back with the folks about the exact dates, but the camp is on, and suffice it to say, it wont be more than five days."

"We are elated with the developments and we are hopeful that all the other things that we have asked for will be provided," he continued before highlighting the requested amenities.

"We have asked for suitable training facilities, that is, proper running track, but also quite importantly, gym with weight room and first-class medical facilities," Aris said.

The local track boss went on to state that he had been updating the principals of the island's two major track clubs, Racers and MVP, and that he was not too surprised with the turnaround in Daegu.

"We were not surprised that the LOC ended up doing what they did because traditionally, we have been getting full support at these championships over the years," Aris noted. "I have been in touch, as usual, with the two leading coaches, Stephen Francis and Glen Mills, on the matter."