EDITORIAL
Lenford G. Levy (JAM)

MESSAGE FROM THE AREA REPRESENTATIVE
Neville "Teddy" McCook (JAM)

RDC REPORT
Lenford G. Levy (JAM)

3rd IAAF WORLD YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS IN ATHLETICS

QUALIFICATIONS STANDARDS FOR IAAF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN ATHLETICS 2003

ROUND TABLE WITH SERGEY BUBKA

Editorial

At the end of another meritorious year in Athletics for the region we must take time to reflect on our achievements, as we look to the New Year 2003 and beyond.

There is no doubt that the NACAC Area has over the years, developed the most comprehensive structure for Youth and Junior Athletics, worldwide. This is evident by the mass participation in our sport at these levels and the ensuing performances obtained in regional and international competitions. Good allround performances by the region as a whole at recent World, Continental and Regional Championships can be attributed to the depth of these programmes.

However, as we laud this existing structure it is important that we recognize the lack of continuity in the development process of our athletes through the intermediate and senior levels. While we do enjoy limited success at these levels the numbers are greatly reduced as the attrition rate of outstanding youth and junior athletes is a matter for concern.

We also recognize the great steps that have been made in the promotion of the sport professionally, especially at the elite level but more must be done to motivate and encourage the fraternity in this direction at the base. Unfortunately, at this level the vast majority of the fraternity; Member Federations, Coaches and Officials continue to work as volunteers in an "amateur" environment.

It is imperative that as we acknowledge our strengths, we also recognize the weaknesses of our sport at the regional level and adopt measures that would effectively address the deficiencies in the system in order to ensure continued growth.

We look forward to a successful 2003, to be highlighted by a number of regional and continental competitions, most importantly the 9th IAAF World Athletics Championships in Paris, France, where our top athletes will be on show.

Lenford G. Levy
Director