Antigua and Barbuda sprinter Joella Lloyd has been approved for full government sponsorship as she prepares for major international track and field competitions, including the 2028 Olympic Games.

The decision was taken during Cabinet’s meeting on Wednesday, where officials agreed to place Lloyd in a special programme of financial assistance to support her training and competitive development.

Director General of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office Maurice Merchant said Cabinet agreed to provide direct support to the athlete following discussions on national sports development.

“Cabinet agreed that it would provide full sponsorship to Joella Lloyd towards her training, or offer financial assistance to her towards her training,” Merchant said.

He noted that the government had previously supported Lloyd while she was studying and training at university and said the new arrangement reflects a continuation of that assistance as she focuses fully on her athletic career.

“She has now graduated from that university and so she’s now focusing on her athletic training,” Merchant said.

Merchant said the government intends to place Lloyd in a structured support programme as she targets international meets and long-term Olympic qualification.

“Government will be placing her in a special programme of assistance to ensure that she receives adequate training that will eventually lead to her participating in international meets,” he said.

The 2028 Olympic Games are scheduled to be held in Los Angeles, where Lloyd is expected to represent Antigua and Barbuda if she qualifies.