Champs is ‘pound-for-pound’ the best, says long-serving vendor

WHILE THE ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships always draws the attention of the nation’s top junior athletes as well as track and field fans, it also brings out vendors in their numbers.

Such is the case of the National Stadium’s longest-serving concessionaire Richard Bowen, the managing director of Laribo Marketing and Consultants Limited.

Bowen has been a constant figure at the National Stadium for more than two decades. In his time working at the venue, he said he has been witness to many of Jamaica’s greatest track and field achievements.

His job also gives him a front-row seat to the junior careers of several of Jamaica’s top track and field athletes.

“I am the longest-serving vendor – no, not vendor, concessionaire. I’ve been here since the year 2000, so I’ve been here for 24 years,” he said.

“It’s too numerous to mention, but during that time I’ve seen numerous Boys and Girls’ Championships over the years.

“I would also say there have been the international invitationals and the Racers Grand Prix as my favourites. My favourite memory is from 2002 when it was the World Juniors when Usain Bolt broke the world record as well.”

Bowen says despite the various international events, Champs has always proved to be a special time for him and Jamaican track and field fans.

According to Bowen, Champs holds the distinction of being one of the world’s most exciting track meets.

This year is no different, as he stands behind his counter with Champs merchandise on sale for curious fans wanting to represent their school colours.

“Of course, Champs is one of the wonders of the world,” he said.

“Champs is the third-largest track and field meet in the world and for its type in regard to junior athletes, it is the largest track and field meet in the world. Except for the Olympics and the World Championships, Boys and Girls’ Champs is the largest pound-for-pound track meet on this side of the world.”

He said this year is extremely special for him, as it is one of the earliest stagings of the meet since the pandemic.

Bowen said when track and field events had partially opened after the pandemic, the fans were notable absentees from the stands.

“It is extremely awesome because we had some events back in early 2021 when we partially opened up and it was empty. So now that things are going on, it is good to see the crowd and the roller coaster of Champs. If you look around, you can see the merchandising at Champs and the people coming out in their colours, and that’s nice to see.”