by Howard Campbell
KINGSTON, Jamaica | In late 2023, two of the most well-liked Jamaican occasions in New York, introduced a joint weekend get together in Jamaica, simply earlier than the beginning of Boys and Ladies Championships.
Held March 16-17 at historic Devon Home in Kingston, Elite Weekend was a smashing success, in keeping with organizers. Opening day was Bleu & Bougie whereas the second day was Soiree & Blanc.
“Internet hosting each occasions was the most effective choice ever. I can confidently say that Elite Weekend is now a acknowledged model. Bleu & Bougie has at all times had a loyal fan base in New York, and Soirée & Blanc is extraordinarily well-liked there as properly. Lots of our supporters made the trek with us to Kingston. We have been in a position to faucet into the Diaspora assist with patrons coming from not simply the tri-state space, however we acquired good assist from Jamaicans in Atlanta, Florida, Toronto and from Texas,” stated Jerry McDonald, a spokesman for Elite Weekend.
He added that Devon Home, inbuilt 1881 by George Steibel, Jamaica’s first black millionaire, was an acceptable venue.
“Everybody cherished Devon Home. The ambiance and the placement have been good. It was the right backdrop to host an elite occasion like what we offered. Parking was our largest problem, however we made the most effective of the hand we have been dealt. If we will kind that difficulty out for subsequent yr, we will positively return to Devon Home,” McDonald said.
The second day noticed promoters honoring sprinter Asafa Powell with the Bleu & Bougie Famous person Award for his achievements and contribution to athletics.
Powell, who twice set the world file for the 100 meters, cracked the 10-second barrier 97 occasions in his profession, essentially the most by any sprinter. He additionally received three Olympic and World Championships gold medals as a member of Jamaica’s 4X100 meters relay group.
He retired from athletics in 2022 at age 39.
“The Jamaican Diaspora loves Asafa Powell. It felt actually good to honor an icon like him, given how properly he has represented Jamaica and all he has completed. The truth that he appreciated the gesture was a giant bonus,” stated McDonald.
