In an historic move, the Business of Sport will this year host, as part of its International Conference, a Collegiate Forum in its ongoing efforts to cultivate in the next generation of sport leaders a business savvy which goes beyond mere podium success and photographed spotlights.

The conference is scheduled for May 1 and 2 at the Pegasus hotel, Kingston.

Patron of the forum will be Jamaican Olympian and Third Vice-President of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA), Michael Frater, who will share with young aspiring athletes, coaches and managers experience gained and lessons learnt on the track and in the boardroom in building successful careers.

In commenting on his patronage, PowerSport Dynasty speaker, Michael Frater, said: “I accepted, without any hesitation, as this is where the business of sport begins — with our youth. We must offer them personal and business models of sustainable development and success as we inculcate in them, and inspire, excellence.”

In commenting on his patronage, PowerSport Dynasty speaker, Michael Frater, said: “I accepted, without any hesitation, as this is where the business of sport begins — with our youth. We must offer them personal and business models of sustainable development and success as we inculcate in them, and inspire, excellence.”

The forum will present teams from local high schools and colleges from the region making business cases for the successful management of a young Caribbean athlete as they compete for top honours and awards. Physical and nutritional development, coaching methods and techniques, image and psychology, marketing and branding, finance and investment, and advocacy and reputation will all be a part of the business cases which will be evaluated by an elite panel of judges selected from regional multilateral organisations, the education and business sectors and professional cohorts.

The Business of Sport team of Carole Beckford, Milton Samuda, Christopher Samuda, and Courtney Lodge are singularly focused on this year’s conference theme ‘Change the Game’ in revolutionising the way stakeholders do business in what has now been widely accepted as a global industry worth far in excess of US$100 billion.

The Forum has been endorsed by the Caribbean Development Agency and the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), both of which will have a presence at the Collegiate Forum and a voice in the conference dialogue.