International Association of Athletics Federation's (IAAF) Vice President Lord Sebastian Coe has given high marks to the seventeenth staging of the Sagicor Sigma Corporate Run, staged on Sunday, February 22 in Kingston.

The two time double Olympic gold medalist was also bowled over by the number of youngsters who participated, and believes it is a matter of time before Jamaica soars in the arena of long distance running.

"I was pleased to see so many young children in the race and they seem to handle the course well. It marvels me why Jamaica doesn't do well in the longer races at the international level; however if the youngsters that I see carry on in this fashion with the right training, I believe Jamaica will soon get an Olympic medal in the 800m and 1500m."

Seb Coe
Dr Warren Blake, President of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA); Lord Sebastian Coe British politician and former 1500m Olympic Champion; Warren Weir, 200m Olympic bronze medalist and Alfred 'Frano' Francis, Race Director of Sagicor Sigma Corporate Run are engaged by Richard Byles, President & CEO of Sagicor Group Jamaica ahead of the start of the 2015 Sigma Corporate Run on Sunday, February 22 in New Kingston.

Alfred Francis, Race Director for Sagicor Sigma Corporate Run is pleased with Coe's endorsement. "Sigma is a well oiled machine clicking with excellence and efficiency. We know that there is a lot of need in the health sector … it changes and saves lives.

Coe says the organisation and participation at the prestigious event could rival any first world staging. "I am very impressed with the Sigma Run, to see all these people turn out is amazing. I must tip my hat to Sagicor for what I believe is an ingenious initiative to help the health sector." 

Meanwhile, President of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association, Dr. Warren Blake is proud of the long lasting impact on the sport of track and field in Jamaica. "This event is truly a wonderful way to raise awareness about health and fitness. It has proven that running will increase your lifespan and I will always encourage persons to try and run at least three to four times per week." 

Sagicor Sigma Corporate Run is an annual fundraising venture organised by Sagicor Group Jamaica Limited with an aim to improve the lives of children by assisting child care facilities. The Cornwall Regional Hospital's Neonatal Unit and Jamaica Kidney Kids Foundation are the recipients of the $26,048,095.00 raised. To date, the initiative has raised approximately $167 Million.

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