Sagicor increases sponsorship of Primary Championships
THE official launch of the 32nd staging of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA)/Sagicor National Primary Schools Athletics Championships took place yesterday with the title sponsors handing over a $5-million cheque to the organisers.
This year’s sponsorship represents a $500,000 increase for the prestigious two-day meet, which is scheduled for May 15 and 16 at the National Stadium. The Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) Co-operative Credit Union also invested over $1.3 million to the event.
Latoya Mayhew-Kerr, vice-president, Employee Benefits Administrator at Sagicor Group Jamaica, outlined her company’s dedication to the development of young athletes.
“Since its inception, this meet has allowed our children from as early as age seven to not only compete at a national level, but also to learn important traits of discipline and character,” she said, while addressing the launch at the JTA’s headquarters on Church Street.
“The JTA/Sagicor championships laid the foundation for the impressive assembly of stars that we have today. At Sagicor, we want every child to be valued for their hard work. We strive along with the JTA to ensure the entire meet leaves an indelible mark on the athletes,” Mayhew-Kerr noted.
“We encourage the youngsters preparing for the meet to make their parishes proud by displaying exemplary performances, not just on the track, but also off the track. It all starts here, so come watch your young stars begin their journey,” she urged.
Kerr also expressed gratitude to the JTA for their commitment and consistent dedication to the meet and, by extension, their investment in the development of Jamaica’s athletes and the country at large.
Over 1,200 young athletes will converge on the JTA/Sagicor Parish Championships, which is an annual event that allows students from ages six to 17 from over 800 primary, all-age and junior high schools across the island, to perform on the national stage.
The athletes will participate in approximately 52 events, with the opening day scheduled to have eight finals. These include the Under-9 cricket ball throw, long jump, shot put and high jump. The first day will be free to patrons.
All other finals, which amount to 44, will take place on the second and final day. The event is set to begin at 10:00 am on both days, with grandstand-only seating.
