Shayne Fairman, STAR Writer

Using the earth-shattering success of Jamaica's athletes at the recent IAAF World Championships in Beijing,China, as a backdrop, the Government will be looking to roll out more sporting projects in the near future, which it hopes can galvanise the sport-loving Jamaican people, while achieving social and economic benefits.

Jamaica ended the championships with 12 medals, second in the world in terms of the number of gold won (seven), behind only Kenya.

"We want again to send heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the government and the people of Jamaica to our track and field athletes, on their brilliant performances at the IAAF World Championships. You brought glory to our nation and the world was in awe of your stellar performance," Minister with Responsibility for Sport Natalie Neita-Headley told the press at Jamaica House on Wednesday.

Sporting heritage

High on the agenda were matters relating to showcasing the country's rich sporting heritage and she noted that Cabinet had given its approval for the construction of a national sports museum to be located at an approved site at the National Stadium Complex, in Kingston.

"We encourage corporate sponsors to join us in this exciting venture. Already, some corporations have expressed their interest in partnering with us," she said.

The Urban Development Corporation has since conducted a feasibility study, with the next step being a design competition among architectural students to be undertaken.

A total of $39.7 million has been provided in the present budget for the design and preliminary research relating to the project.

The Sport Infrastructure and Capacity Building Committee of the National Council on Sport, which is chaired by Don Anderson, is responsible for leading the project.