JAMAICA consistently produces track and field stars of the highest quality and there are as many questions as there are theories regarding the sheer talent of Jamaican athletes — and these numbers increase with each record-breaking performance.

The answer, however, can be found in strategic and deliberate programmes such as the JISA Prep Champs and the JTA/Sagicor Primary Champs, which are geared towards our youngest group of athletes.

Like the rest of the world, Milo recognises the talent of Jamaican youth and understands the need to nurture their natural gifts. In fact, the brand has been strategically aligned with sporting activities that foster development among Jamaican youth.

For this reason, the company jumped at the opportunity to form partnerships with both championships.

“We were extremely happy to be on board with the championships, especially after the break due to the pandemic. We are pleased to be back in the field where we can interact with our consumers. It is also a great feeling to see the children being able to perform physical activities, which is crucial to their development,” said Chevanne Lawrence, regional consumer marketing manager, powdered beverages.

The meets were held on consecutive weekends at the National Stadium and brought out approximately 2,300 students.

“The Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) and other sponsors worked together to provide everything that was needed for the meet, including breakfast, accommodations, gears, hydration, and even advertisement. It was our duty to ensure that the students were properly taken care of,” Lawrence said.

Though the events were separate, the mission remained the same — to build the nation through youth empowerment and development. Against the backdrop of rapid increase in child obesity and other lifestyle diseases, the Milo team performed coaching sessions for more than 2,000 persons, addressing the issues of child nutrition and physical activity.

Sasha Bernard, market nutritonist, said: “At Nestlé, we believe in empowering individuals and families to make healthier food and lifestyle choices. By promoting balanced diets, age-appropriate portions and home cooking, we can improve health — which has the potential to reduce the number of noncommunicable diseases around the world. Through our brands we promote healthy cooking and eating as well as active lifestyles, to encourage adults and children to lead healthier lives while we continuously work to provide clear and easily understandable nutrition and portion information, both on pack and online.”

Over the weekend, Emmanuel Christian Academy were crowned winners of the Prep Schools Athletics Competition for the first time in 22 years while Lyssons Primary took the title for the JTA/Sagicor Primary Champs.