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June 14, 2005

Cup Concept A Winner For Jerome Meet Athletes

BURNABY, BC - Swangard Stadium was awash in two different shades of red Tuesday night as athletes and spectators celebrated the inaugural Pacific World Cup competition that proved an integral component of the 2005 Vancouver Sun Harry Jerome International Track Classic.

The meet within a meet concept - with Chinese and Canadian national team members competing in designated events with their results earning points - proved a popular concept with athletes and fans. They waved red and yellow Chinese, or red and white Canadian, flags at the 22nd annual meet celebrating the accomplishments of the late, great Canadian sprinter Harry Jerome.

There was no doubt the Pacific World Cup, presented by Paystone.com, was one of the winners on the night's card:

- " This is excellent," said Angela Whyte, third in the women's 100-metre hurdles and Canadian team co-captain for the Pacific World Cup events. "We don't get to see these teams, these athletes, until world championships or Olympics. Having something like this is an advantage for both our teams. It gives us a preview of the talent out there and it increases the competition. There is also a camaraderie we are building with the Chinese team. I am very glad they were able to make it here."

- "It's a great opportunity for us, this event is bringing more exposure to Canadian track and field and that makes more people more interested in the sport," said women's 100-metre winner Toyin Olupona.

- "As we approach the 2008 Olympic Games my achievement today was a big encouragement," beamed Chinese pole vaulter Gao Shuying, whose 4.41-metre victory was a meet women's record. "This result, and coming here, will help me go even further."

American Jesse Roberge, winner of the men's shot put with a 19.51-metre effort, also lauded the introduction of Chinese team athletes into the meet mix.

"I was ecstatic to receive an invitation to compete at the Harry Jerome meet, I've heard about this meet a lot," he said. "It's good to see some of the Chinese athletes here in North America, particularly as we look ahead to China having the Olympics in 2008. This is a great idea."

Organizers of the annual Jerome meet are looking to expand the Pacific World Cup in future years.

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