RAYMOND GRAHAM, STAR Writer

GWANGJU, SOUTH KOREA:

Head coach of Jamaica’s team to the 28th Summer Universiade Games in Gwangju, Korea, Danny Hawthorne, has been taken aback by the level of professionalism of the competition’s organisation so far.

Jamaica will be represented by 10 athletes in athletics which will begin tomorrow (Tuesday) Jamaica time.

“I am really taken aback,” Hawthorne said.

“Even with the threat of MERS, the health system is so properly organised that it is hard to escape if you have a symptom,” he added.

“Security is extremely tight and in any area or venue you must displayed your credentials.”

GREAT PERFORMANCE

Hawthorne, head coach at St Jago High School, and a Senior Lecturer at G.C. Foster College of Physical Education and Sports, is looking forward to great performance from the small contingent of athletes.

“We have suffered two major setbacks, but we have high expectation from those who are here,” he continued.

Hawthorne lamented about those who are eligible for the meet but opted not to take the option of participating.

“I am a bit surprised that some of our top collegiate athletes did not take the opportunity to compete here, as this would have been a good dress rehearsal for them going to Beijing as there are high quality athletes here,” he said.

“The climate here is similar to that in Beijing and this would have put them in good stead going to the World Championships,”said Hawthorne.

Some 13,000 athletes from 150 countries are competing for 272 gold medals in 21 sporting disciplines at the games.

A number of world champions are expected to take the lead in their respective sports.