AS the world awaits the start of the fast-approaching Olympic Games, the Jamaica Observer Media Group on Tuesday officially launched its coverage of the Paris spectacle with the announcement of a comprehensive, multi-platform delivery for sports lovers over the next few weeks as the island’s stars take aim at top spots in four sporting disciplines.

Members of the sporting fraternity, Olympians, administrators and sponsors, were brought together at the Observer’s Beechwood Avenue headquarters in Kingston as the media group highlighted its coverage plans that include insightful, on-the-ground reporting — which has already started with the pre-Olympic camp currently under way in Stuttgart, Germany as well as stride-by-stride accounts of the Olympic Games itself that run from July 26 to August 11 in the French capital — through radio, print, video, online and social media executions.

Observer’s Managing Director Dominic Beaubrun is looking forward to the Games with his team’s coverage and was thrilled to celebrate the partnership with main sponsors Scotiabank, Flow, Red Stripe, Confectionery and Snacks — through its Sunshine Snacks brand — Gatorade and Supreme Ventures Limited.

“We are all very excited about the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. And as we all anticipate the world-beating performances of the Jamaican athletes we are committed as a group to matching that excellence in terms of our coverage delivery and packaging,” Beaubrun said.

“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all our sponsors and partners whose support must be seen as a resounding vote of confidence in not only our credibility and reputation as a First World media organisation, but also our ability to deliver unparalleled storytelling as well as the best offering in terms of comprehensive, easily digestible, and engaging coverage of our athletes and everything relating to the Paris 2024 Games,” Beaubrun added.

The Observer’s team in France will be led by experienced reporter Robert Bailey and photographer Naphatli Junior, with support from Keith McGhie and photographer/digital content creator Leo Hudson.

They will provide full coverage including radio, video, online, social media and print properties. These will include in-print features and reports; podcasts; live updates and commentary on EDGE 105 FM; social media giveaways and engagement; special publications such as an industry-first, complete team profile highlighting each member of Jamaica’s Olympic team; outside broadcasts; a dedicated Olympics website; a breaking news centre; and other innovative coverage elements.

“Over the very young life of the Jamaica Observer (31 years) we have had the privilege of sharing with Jamaicans and the world the exploits of our outstanding athletes at seven Olympic Games — Atlanta, USA, 1996; Sydney, Australia, 2000; Athens, Greece, 2004; Beijing, China, 2008; London, England, 2012; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2016; and Tokyo, Japan, 2020,” said Executive Editor – Publications Vernon Davidson.

“Over that time we provided coverage that ranks among the best in the world because it not only captured the performances of our athletic ambassadors, it gave insight into their early beginnings in the sport; their dedication to the discipline needed to excel; the unwavering support of their family, friends, and a grateful nation; as well as the thrill of victory experienced by them and all Jamaicans.

“And in the times when our gladiators tasted the agony of defeat we shared their pain, stood with them, and reminded the world that the honour of being able to represent this country is priceless,” added Davidson as he underscored that the Observer’s coverage of Paris, France 2024 will be no less than delivered over the years.

“In fact, our readers have already got a taste of what is to come from our sports reporter Robert Bailey and photographer Naphtali Junior, who reported from Team Jamaica’s training camp in Stuttgart, Germany. We consider it our duty to keep you abreast of the events at the Games — whether through the pages of the Jamaica Observer, or on our online and social media platforms, or on The Edge 105 FM and Fyah 105 FM — and we are proud to provide this service,” Davidson shared.

Jamaica will compete in four disciplines at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games — athletics, swimming, diving and judo.

Triple jumper Shanieka Ricketts and swimmer Josh Kirlew will carry Jamaica’s flag in the opening ceremony, while sprinting great Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and diver Yona Knight-Wisdom were named team captains.