WITH THE Minister of Local Government, Community Development and Sports Portia Simpson Miller's urgings fresh in their minds, Jamaica's 85 athletes at the XIV Pan American Games in the Dominican Republic will tomorrow begin their quest to overhaul the 13 medals gained in 1999.
For the next two days, shooting will be Jamaica's focus. Roland Brown, Warren Blake, Keith Hammond, David Rickmond and Dawn Kobayashi will be the country's rifle bearers.
Commencing a day after the 165 anniversary of the Declaration of Emancipation in the British Empire, Minister Simpson Miller, who addressed members of the team just over a week ago, urged the athletes to use the historic occasion as a base for achievement.
STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE
"The Games will be held during a significant period in our history ... Emancipation Day and Independence Day. As we strive for excellence, let's remember to keep the black, green and gold flying with pride and dignity," Simpson Miller said.
Four years ago in Winnipeg, Canada, Jamaica netted 13 medals (three gold, four silver and six bronze), finishing behind the top five teams: United States (296), Canada (196), Cuba (156), Brazil (101) and Argentina (72).
Meanwhile, the Games are ready to go, according to organisers.
They have been plagued by construction delays for months and still look to be far from ready. But the organising committee president said everything would be ready when the Games open today.
"Everything is prepared," Jose Joaquin Puello said yesterday. "There is no obstacle that will stop things from proceeding as planned."
Puello dismissed complaints, saying they were "normal for such events".
FINISHING TOUCHES
Still, work crews could be seen at the main complex around the Olympic Stadium trying to put the finishing touches on some facilities.
In the Quisqueya baseball stadium, which will host the medal games, tests were done yesterday to check the lighting system after television broadcasters complained that much of the field could not be seen by viewers.
Officials dismissed doubts over whether the track at the Olympic Stadium would be approved.
"The track is completed. Everything's in order," said Cesar Moreno, Mexico's delegate to the IAAF. "What's lacking is a piece of paper, and that paper will arrive."
SHOOTING RANGE
There was still no word on whether the shooting range had received official approval. The gymnastics venue was also said to be a concern.
The Dominican Republic, one of the poorest nations in the Americas, could end up investing about US$300 million by the time the Games end.
The huge cost has fuelled a wave of criticism, with many saying the money would have been better spent on health, education and providing food to the poor.
But officials said a successful tournament would bode well for the country.
