A brand-new track meet is set to bring top young athletes together on April 19, 2025, at Memorial Field in Mount Vernon, NY. The New York Next-Gen Invitational Relays will feature high school competitors from the USA, Jamaica, and the Caribbean, giving them a chance to go head-to-head before the Penn Relays Carnival in Philadelphia.
1. Founded by Shawn Falconer and Next Gen Events Corporation
The New York Next-Gen Invitational Relays was created by Shawn Falconer, a New York-based entrepreneur and Jamaica College alum, along with his partners at Next Gen Events Corporation. Falconer, known for his involvement in sports event planning, teamed up with his company to establish this meet, aiming to provide high school athletes with an elite competition opportunity ahead of the Penn Relays.
2. A Major Opportunity for Jamaican High School Athletes
With a large Jamaican diaspora community in the Tri-State area, many locals follow high school track and travel to Penn Relays each year to support Jamaican teams. This event allows Jamaican high schools to get early exposure to U.S. competition while giving local fans a preview of the talent expected at Penn.
3. Seen as a Key Warm-Up for the Penn Relays
Taking place just one week before the prestigious Penn Relays Carnival, many view this meet as a perfect tune-up event. It provides athletes the chance to practice baton exchanges, race strategies, and adjust to U.S. track conditions before heading to Philadelphia.
4. Open Registration – First-Come, First-Served
The invitational is open to schools on a first-come, first-served basis. Schools must register by March 31, 2025, to secure a spot. Given the excitement surrounding the event, early registration is recommended.
5. Mix of Relay and Individual Events
The meet will include both team relays and individual races, ensuring athletes of all specialties have a chance to compete. The lineup includes:
- 100m sprint
- 110m hurdles
- 400m and 800m individual races
- Traditional relay events
Each school can enter up to three athletes per individual event and one relay team per race.
6. Medals for Top Finishers
Athletes will be competing for gold, silver, and bronze medals in individual races, while relay teams will receive medals only for first place.
7. High-Quality Track & Facilities
The event will be hosted at Memorial Field in Mount Vernon, NY, a modern facility with an eight-lane all-weather track, dedicated field event areas, and practice spaces.
8. Affordable Entry Fee
The registration fee for participating schools is $40 per athlete, making it an accessible and cost-effective opportunity for both local and international teams.
9. Great Location & Community Support
The venue is conveniently located near restaurants and public transportation, making it easy for teams, coaches, and supporters to attend.
10. Jamaican Track Fans Are in for a Treat
Jamaican track fans, both on the island and in the diaspora, are in for an exciting year of high school and international track and field action. The New York Next-Gen Invitational Relays comes right after Champs 2025, Jamaica’s biggest high school track and field event, where future global stars often emerge.
ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Championships 2025 (Champs 2025)
March 25-29, 2025
National Stadium, Kingston, Jamaica
#Champs2025 #1Spotmedia #LivePPV #JamaicaTrackAndField
In addition to this, Jamaican track fans will be treated to the Grand Slam Track event, which will feature top Jamaican athletes and international competitors at multiple stops across Jamaica and the U.S.
Grand Slam Track Event 2025 Schedule
April 4-6 – Kingston, Jamaica
National Stadium
May 2-4 – Miramar, Florida (Strong Jamaican Community)
Ansin Sports Complex
May 30 – June 1 – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Jamaican Community Will Travel)
Franklin Field
June 27-29 – Los Angeles, California
Drake Stadium
This lineup of major track meets ensures that Jamaican track and field fans will have plenty of action to follow, from high school athletes to international stars, across multiple events in 2025.
The New York Next-Gen Invitational Relays is set to be a major new event in high school track and field, offering Jamaican and U.S. athletes an exciting opportunity to compete at an elite level before the Penn Relays.
Photo – Deposit Photos
