By Anthony Foster, Freelance WriterSHERWIN WILLIAMS boss Ian Forbes will be facing the starter in the Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association (JAAA) presidential race.
Two weeks ago Forbes, the managing director for Sherwin Williams West Indies Limited, in an interview with The Gleaner, said he had not decided to run yet as he was 'on the ground' campaigning.
On Friday, however, the man who did a great job as meet director for the National Championships, said "I am running".
"I think I have vast experience in the sport, inside and out and also experience in running a business and I think with a good team, we can add a lot of value and move the sport light years ahead," he said, then reiterated that "the sport has tremendous potential and I think with a good team in place, we can advance the sport tremendously."
Forbes said though that his slate has not yet been finalised.
The election is set for late November-early December and there are arguments circulating that Sports Development Foundation (SDF) chairman, Howard Aris, could also be running for the track and field body's top job.
When contacted though, Aris said: "I can't comment at this time."
40 YEARS EXPERIENCE
Forbes has had over 40 years experience in the sport of track and field, starting out as a teenage official when the 'first burst tape' method was used to decide winners.
He has also managed several track and field teams and was the assistant manager for Jamaica's Olympic team in Athens. Forbes has been officiating at the Penn Relays since 1996 and was the IAAF competitions director for the 2002 World Junior Championships (WJC) in Kingston.
The sports enthusiast also served on the Adrian Wallace-led JAAA executive between 1996-2000 and said his stint as competition's director for the 2002 WJC, widened his links with the hierarchy of the sport's world governing body.
Forbes, who was honoured by the Penn Relays Committee for 'tremendous service', said he is "pretty confident" of succeeding in the elections.
He said: "The response has been very positive and there is pretty strong support all around."
Over 130 candidates are expected to vote but Forbes said he will not predict how many votes he will get.
YOUTH AND COACH DEVELOPMENT
Apart from his plans for youth and coach development through training programmes, Forbes said "my team and myself will address the tribalism. We do not want any of that at all. We want to embrace people who can make contributions. We want more unity and harmony within the track and field fraternity," he explained.
Current JAAA president Pat Anderson, who will not be seeking re-election, endorsed Forbes' candidacy. Anderson also said Forbes, who ran against him on Christopher Stokes' slate four years ago, was a man who helped his administration.
Forbes, who managed Jamaica's team to the 2000 World Juniors in Chile, said one of the most important things in business is to maintain a good relationship with associates. He also speaks of the good relationship he has with the athletes and coaches, saying "this will allow us to better understand their needs and be able to provide greater assistance in several areas".
When asked why the candidates should vote for him, Forbes said:
"I have a proven track record of serving in the sport, both locally and internationally, understanding of the sport and my experience in business I think will also add tremendous value. Above all, is my ability to get on with people and to work in a team setting."
