With sports being a cornerstone of Jamaica’s culture and a holistic space for youth development, the Sagicor Foundation has committed $11.5 million in sponsorship to the 39th staging of the JTA/Sagicor National Athletics Championships.

Launched recently at the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) headquarters, the two-day event is set to take place on June 7 and 8 at National Stadium.

The sponsorship from the Sagicor Foundation will contribute towards various aspects of the championships, including venue preparation, athlete support services, and logistical arrangements. Similarly to the prep school relay invitational that was introduced last year, funds will also be allocated towards enhancing the overall experience for participants and spectators alike, ensuring a memorable and impactful event. Speaking about their continued support for the competition at the launch event, Mark Chisholm, chief revenue officer, insurance, Sagicor Life Jamaica and director at Sagicor Foundation shared, “Supporting the JTA/Sagicor National Athletics Championships aligns with the foundation’s mission of positively impacting the lives of children and youth in Jamaica. Year after year, this partnership has been a beacon of hope, fostering the holistic development of our youth through the power of sports. Investing in our children is an investment in Jamaica, and with this commitment, we aim to impact the lives of these children in a positive way.”

The grass roots competition will also see Tia and Tina Clayton as the JTA/Sagicor National Championship 2024 ambassadors. The competition will have parishes competing against each other in four classes — Under-9, Under-11, Under-13, and Under-15 — in sprint and field events.

President of the JTA, Leighton Johnson, shared how events of this nature are crucial to the development of the nation’s young athletes.

He shared, “The partnership with the Sagicor Foundation has been symbiotic. The JTA/Sagicor National Athletic Championships has been a staple event for many years and the Sagicor Foundation being a title sponsor enables this to happen. Everyone has to start somewhere, and we pride ourselves on providing opportunities for our stakeholders. It is not all about academics. Students have talents that can elevate them and it all starts here at championships. We are excited to see what will take place for this year’s staging.”