KINGSTON, Jamaica – In observance of Wold Heritage Day 2016 on April 18 Jamaica will join the rest of the world in celebration under the theme ‘The Heritage of Sport’. 

In commemoration of the Day, the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport in collaboration with the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) will be highlighting the significance of safeguarding Jamaica’s rich sport heritage and the relevance of sport in national development.

According to the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport (MCGES), a symposium will be hosted at the University of Technology (UTech) and aired on KLAS Sports Radio “to provide the platform for noted sport administrators, students, athletes and other stakeholders to discuss some of the more pressing and relevant themes surrounding sport and national development”. Among the panellists confirmed for the symposium are Olympian, Grace Jackson; President, West Indies Players Association, Wavell Hinds; Senior Director, Sports, MCGES, Florette Blackwood; Director, Sports, UTech, Anthony Davis; Principal, GC Foster College, Joyce Graham Royal; and Founder of Team Jamaica Bickle, Irwine Clare, the ministry said in a release today. 

The symposium, which will feature a key presentation from portfolio minister Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, will take place at Lecture Theatre 4, Caribbean School of Architecture UTech, beginning at 2;00pm. 

According to Minister Grange, “I can’t help but think that this year’s theme for World Heritage Day, ‘The Heritage of Sport’ is tailored made for Jamaica and my ministry at this time. In the true spirit of a country with an affinity for “firsts” we have given the world some of the most iconic sporting figures and this is an example of the legacy that we must embrace, as well as safeguard as part of our heritage.” 

The 2016 observance of World Heritage Day moves away from the traditional recognition of monuments and sites only and brings into focus the seamless linkage between tangible and intangible heritage assets in recounting history. This year, the emphasis has been placed on an important element of a people’s heritage, sport. The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) has acknowledged the significance of the Summer Olympic Games scheduled for Rio de Janiero, Brazil in August 2016 and in response has selected a theme that is timely and relevant.