Devon Biscuits has put pen to paper to be title sponsors of the Institute of Sports (INSPORTS) Primary Schools’ Athletics Championships in a whopping $9.3-m deal on the day when the three-day 2023 Eastern Championship started at the Stadium East facility.

INSPORTS, an agency of the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports, has not had a title sponsor for a number of years and Minister Olivia Grange was more than happy to welcome Devon Biscuits on board.

“Today marks the start of another of what we have come regard as our marquee sports events in Jamaica – the INSPORTS All-Island Primary Schools’ Athletics Championships,” she said on Thursday.

“Indeed, we are celebrating the 41st staging of the championships which will see competition among 130 schools with 6,000 students in three regional championships leading up to the grand finale – the nationals.

“But ladies and gentlemen, with the staging of the INSPORTS Primary Schools’ Athletics Championships has come another splendid reason to celebrate. Yes, this year INSPORTS is signing a $9-million sponsorship agreement with Devon Biscuits,” said Grange.

“This ranks among the biggest sponsorship agreements, ever, in the history of INSPORTS. We are truly grateful to Devon Biscuits for the investment that the company is making in the development of sports in Jamaica through this major sponsorship of the INSPORTS All-Island Primary Schools’ Championships,” she added.

The sports minister invited others in corporate Jamaica to follow the example set by Devon Biscuits.

Devon Biscuits started its relationship with INSPORTS in 2022 as a supporting sponsor, but in this move stepped up significantly with a massive investment as the grass-roots level.

“It’s a great honour and privilege to be sitting here today as the title sponsor of the all-island primary schools’ athletics championships, which commences today,” said the company’s Brand Manager Sherene Bryan.

“This is such a great initiative as it encourages, fosters, and supports the future of track and field in Jamaica. We may be seeing the next Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce or Usain Bolt right before our eyes.

“Devon Biscuits sits proudly as title sponsor as we are committed to support the nation’s youths for this year, next year and years to come,” she added.

The Regional Eastern Championships got going Thursday with the heats and no finals. The first two finals are scheduled for Friday morning with the Boys’ high jump open and the Girls’ cricket ball throw.

Following the Eastern Championships, the competition moves to the GC Foster College of Physical Education and Sport for the Central Championships, between May 8 and 10, and then on to St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) for the Western Championships, between May 11 and 13.

The nationals, showcasing the best of the best among primary school track and field athletes, will take place May 25 to 27 to decide the all-island champion primary school.