Olympic champion Usain Bolt (left) and Yohan Blake. - File

Triple world record holder Usain Bolt and reigning World 100m champion Yohan Blake have both been confirmed for the 10th staging of the Jamaica International Invitational set for May 4 inside the National Stadium.

However, staging this year's meet and securing some of the world's top athletes have not been easy for organisers because of the financial challenges facing the country, and with most local companies having entered a second National Debt Exchange (NDX) programme with the Government.

challenge

"A lot of potential sponsors have mentioned the NDX as a challenge, so it would have had some effect, but not to the extent where it would have been disastrous, in my view," said Ludlow Watt, Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association treasurer and vice-chairman of the organising committee, during yesterday's press launch held at the Spanish Court Hotel.

"There is some concern expressed by some sponsors, but we are still in dialogue with a number of potential sponsors."

Meanwhile, despite the fact that fans will not see the two top male sprinters competing against each other, reigning 200m Olympic champion Allyson Felix and reigning World 200m champion Veronica-Campbell Brown will be facing the starters together in a highly anticipated 100m clash.

Olympic 100m champion Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce will be running in the 200m and Olympic 110m hurdles bronze medallist Hansle Parchment will line up in his pet event.

The United States' Wallace Spearmon will be competing in the 200m, while Kaliese Spencer and Nesta Carter. The events for Carter, Spencer, Bolt and Blake have not yet been confirmed.