The insatiable appetite of Jamaican track and field fans locally and in the Diaspora is set to be satisfied courtesy of the new StrideVision Athletics series.
Fans will be able to follow a host of local development meets, right in the palm of their hands, live and in living colour, as StrideVison TV will be investing over 30 million dollars over the next five years, through a broadcast series that will compensate for High School and Pro meets.
Starting this weekend December 11, 2021, at the Wesley Powell Heart of the Caribbean Invitational Meet at Excelsior High School, fans will be able to follow track and field meets, via the new StrideVision TV app available on the Apple and Google Play stores, as well as on respective social media platforms.
Since its entry into the sports broadcast industry over four years ago, StrideVision TV has signalled to everyone that it is in the market for the long haul by investing in local athletics, and has grown to where it is broadcasting more than 50% of all local meets.
Founder and CEO Ridley Ingram points out that StrideVision TV was formed with the initial purpose of helping Jamaica College, his alma mater, highlight its event. However, he was approached by other high school and pro meets to broadcast their meet as well.
“Thanks to the organizers of the Wesley Powell Heart of the Caribbean Invitational Meet and in particular, Coach Riley from Excelsior High school, StrideVision TV is now a thing,” says Ingram.
“We have had some challenges, but thanks to Mr. Maurice Wilson at GC Foster College who facilitated some very talented young women and men, we have managed to keep moving forward” Ingram continued.
Being attached to athletics at Jamaica College, Ingram understands the many challenges faced by several schools, especially smaller institutions in rural areas.
In light of this, StrideVision TV would like to generate opportunities that go directly to benefit the schools.
Among the local meets, one can expect to see live on StrideVision TV this season are: Wesley Powel Heart of the Caribbean Invitational Meet, the JAAA PUMA Development Meet, Purewater Jamaica College Danny Williams Invitational, Mckenley/Wint Invitational, Queens Grace Jackson Track Meet, OndiRun/ GC Foster Sprint Fest (New this season)
Youngster Gold Smith Classics, Camperdown Classic, SW Isaac Henry Invitational, CARIFTA Trials, John Wolmer Sprint Fest, Velocity Fest Series, JAAA All-Comers Meet series.
Based on discussions, more meets are expected to be added this season.
StrideVision TV also has plans to move to other Caribbean islands, as they see this as an avenue for athletes to be seen by colleges overseas, and enhance the chance for the student-athletes to obtain scholarships.
More importantly, the aim is to provide a product that advertisers would like to associate with.