TEN CARIBBEAN HIGHSCHOOLS GET SET TO COMPETE IN THE TORONTO INTERNATIONAL TRACK & FIELD GAMES

TORONTO June 3, 2013 – On your marks, get set, go! The next generation of track & field all-stars are coming from across the Caribbean to compete in the 3rd annual Toronto International Track & Field Games (TITFG) on June 11th at the University of Toronto’s Varsity Centre.

This year, Scotiabank is sponsoring 10 track and field teams from high schools in the Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago who will make their way to Toronto to compete against top athletes from high schools in Ontario as well as Michigan, U.S. A. The teams will compete in the Scotiabank International High School 4x100 Relay Championship. “Scotiabank is excited to provide this support and opportunity to 10 talented teams from across the Caribbean to compete at the international level. The Bank has deep roots in the Caribbean, and we have been able to see firsthand the passion, throughout the region, for Track and Field,” said Kaz Flinn, Scotiabank’s Vice President for Corporate Social Responsibility. “Through the Scotiabank Bright Future program, we are committed to providing support to sports programs in schools around the world because we believe youth can apply the same initiative, teamwork and leadership skills both on and off the field.”

In addition to these top high school athletes competing from the Caribbean, Donald Quarrie of Jamaica will participate in a special coaching clinic held with the TITFG. “I’m honoured to be returning to Canada for this exciting meet,” said Quarrie. “I was exposed to international competition early in my career and know the value of these meets for developing athletes. The chance to compete internationally plays a critical role in preparing young athletes for major Games.” “Before Usain Bolt, there was Donald Quarrie; so it is quite fitting that Quarrie will help guide the next generation of Jamaican athletes onto the same University of Toronto track made famous by Usain Bolt in 2009,” commented Executive Meet Director, John Craig.