MyBESTRuns

Kemoy Campbell is improving and is now even smiling after collapsing at the Millrose Games Saturday

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, says the Jamaican government will assist Jamaican distance runner, Kemoy Campbell, who collapsed at the Millrose Games in New York. 

Campbell, who was functioning as a pacesetter in the 3000m has been hospitalised since the incident on Saturday.

Grange, in a statement today, disclosed she has reached out to the athlete's family and management and has been “making arrangements to assist with Kemoy's care."

Grange said Campbell is registered with the Jamaica Athletes Insurance Programme and is able to access benefits under the scheme. 

In addition, the minister said she has mandated the Sports Development Foundation to be ready to assist with his immediate needs.

“We continue to pray for Kemoy's recovery and assure him and his family that Jamaica will be there for them during this time.  We have been in discussions about what he requires now and we are committed to doing what is necessary to see that he gets the best care and achieves a full recovery,” said Grange.

The minister's statement follows the launch of a GoFundMe campaign, which seeks to raise US$100,000 to assist with Campbell's medical expenses.

LetsRun.com is reporting that he is doing better and smiling.  He does not remember the incident.

Matt O'Toole, Reebok's President, issued a statement to Sports Illustrated on Tuesday afternoon that the sportswear company will be donating $50,000 to assist with medical expenses.

"Kemoy is an important part of the Reebok family, and we are so happy to hear that he is making great progress," O'Toole said.

"As part of our family, we will stand behind him and support him in his recovery. We are making a contribution of $50,000 to help with his medical expenses.”

posted Tuesday February 12th