The Adidas Grand Pix NYC
JUNE 14, 2014
Mark Wetmore-Louis Grant-Bobby Clarke-Yohan Blake-Lalonde Gordon
photo credit: C. Harrison
Posted By: C. Harrison/May 16, 2014/5:35
At a press conference held Tuesday, May 13, 2014, at RW Prime Restaurant, located at The Resort World Casino in Queens, officials–the Adidas Grand Pix, the Diamond League and Irie Jam Media—hosted a media blist to inform us of what the lineup of the sprint roster would be like for the 2014 Adidas Grand Pix Meet. This year’s meet is in its 10th year of showcasing its brand in New York City.
Sprint guest included the Beast, (Yohan Blake), Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce, who did a phone in interview, on her way to Shanghai, and Trinidad & Tobago’s 400 meters Olympic Bronze medalist Lalonde Gordon was also on hand. He just basically thanked the crowd and was enjoying his surrounding, he stated that he was looking forward to the meet. All three are looking forward to the meet at Icahn Stadium June 14, 2014. Noted guest also included, Chris Castro, standing in on behalf of Jamaica’s Consul General, Mark Wetmore, Director for the Adidas Grand Prix and the Director for the Roy Wilkins Park.
According to Bobby Clarke, who thanked everyone for coming out, referred to the fact that Irie Jam Media, was a struggling company 9-years ago when they were approached by Rebox Grand Prix, their partner. He reiterated that the kids in Jamaica call the Vice President of Irie Jam Media, Louis Grant, uncle Louie, because of his committeemen and support for them. He said that Irie Jam is committed to putting on the best programs for the community.
In addition, Louis Grant, pinned Yohan as a legend at what he does and said all the members here in New York is proud to honors him. Grant noted that he was told some years ago to keep an eye on Yohan, he was a class 2 back then. Grant introduced Yohan.
The Beast who was only 19, when he became the youngest sprinter in history to break the 10-second barrier at any meet. He was here in New York 2010 and best 10.20 in the 100 meters and in 2011 he best 19.26 ranking #1 and #2 in the world- 2012 he best 100 m-9.90. Yohan Blake took 2013 off because of injuries.
“I am fine, it was a tough road to getting back. It has not been easy, I like to surprise everyone. I am at a good fitness level, I want to say 100 but.” “This year is valuable to me, I have been in training running hard, last year I didn’t get to defend my title but now I get a chance to defend that title,” he said. He will be at the Bahamas meet later this year.
Additionally, Blake runs a foundation in Jamaica called YB Foundation. The foundation looks after children in Natall House, where they take care of those children’s expenses. Blake said, “It feels great to impact humanity and It feels good to be a role model for children world over. It’s a full-fill-ment for them.” “Sometimes kids don’t want to listen to people in suits but they will listen to a singer or a sport figure.” We are trying to keep the foundation young,” he explained. His message to other athletes was that sometimes you have to stop and reassess. “I am looking at the man in the mirror,” he stated
When he was asked how difficult it must be for them (athletes) on the islands not having certain resources; Blake accentuated is answer this way, “What we do is build our own boxes literally; putting them one on top of each other thus making a hill to get the job done;” adding that everyone on the Jamaican team comes from country ( parishes outside of Kingston) which is where their motivations come from. “In life you can say but so much,” Blake voiced. It should be noted that Yohan gives back 5% of his earnings to Jamaican Charities.
According to Shelly-Ann, she wants to break the 22-second barrier. She will also be taken part in the up coming world meet in the Bahamas. She said, “I wants to come to New York and do a good job.” When asked to elaborate more she voiced, “I take things in stride. I focus on the fact that I am a very good starter, that is my strongest area.” Fraser also told us that the next generation of sprinters that are coming out of Jamaica West Indies are 10.98 runners—(watch out world).
“We have a lot of lady’s who are running well. We have put a good team together. A lot of female athletes are also doing well. I am not forcing myself to run, I am doing something I love,” Fraser stated. When asked to clarify her faith, Shelly-Ann purported it this way, “Its important to understand where my faith is coming from. I think that’s also where my energy is coming from,” she said.
This cautious athlete also noted that smiling is a way to help relax people. In arabesque of her foundation ‘Pocket Rocket’, she pellucidly articulated that it is geared toward students athletes especially. The foundation takes care of school supplies and after school programs–activities. “I always go back and volunteer because you never know which one will come to fruition,” she said. Shelly -Ann is the ambassador for Grace Foods and Digicel.
In ending the press conference Mark Wetmore, who clearly enjoyed the room full of media, stated that the press conference add a different feel from the usual media invites. He said it had a warm feeling and thanked everyone for turning out. “Its nice to give students a chance to come up here and share their talents. I appreciate you,” he said.
added to the roster at the Adidas Grand Pix are the Caribbean connections:
![Maya-Angelou[1]](https://bundiblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Maya-Angelou1.jpg)
