SPORTS may be the last thing on the minds of many Jamaicans but Jamaica is in the thoughts of the global sporting community, with several top athletes, teams, and associations having pledged support to aid relief efforts following Hurricane Melissa.

The island is now in recovery mode following the passage of the record-breaking hurricane which causedextensive damage to largely rural areas. The parishes of St Elizabeth, St James, St Ann, Clarendon, Westmoreland and Hanover were hit the hardest, with widespread losses impacting both personal livelihoods and business operations.

While the Government, citizens and international organisations lead the rebuilding process, the sports world has also stepped up to the plate.

Legends Usain Bolt, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, and Chris Gayle are among the Jamaican stars leveraging their massive social media reach which collectively accounts for tens of millions of followers, to rally support.

Reggae Boyz Captain Andre Blake, in partnership with his Major League Soccer club Philadelphia Union, has organised a relief drive which will send essential items, including food and medication, to help those in need.

Blake’s international teammate Amari’i Bell, who has 29 appearances for the national senior team, has also stepped in through English Championship club Charlton Athletic which has several Jamaican players contracted to the team, including Karoy Anderson and Kaheim Dixon. The club and the players have pledged support through cash and supplies.

“To see the news and what’s going on over there is devastating. From our perspective, we see what’s happening on TV but that doesn’t give you the real feel. Speaking to people back home and getting a better insight has been tough,” Bell said.

“Jamaica is where my family are from, and I’m very proud of that heritage. Any little bit we can do to help as a community is important. A few of us represent the nation and a few more have Jamaican roots, so we came together and thought, ‘What can we do? How can we help?’ If we can play even a small part, hopefully we can make a difference.”

Another Reggae Boy, Leon Bailey, and his Italian club AS Roma announced they, “stand in solidarity with the people of Jamaica during this difficult time”.

NBA champion Norman Powell, who helped Jamaica qualify for the final round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers in August, donated US$100,000 ($16 million) through his foundation, one of the humanitarian aid organisations helping with hurricane recovery.

Powell’s team, Miami Heat, along with the the Micky & Madeleine Arison Family Foundation and Carnival Corporation & plc, donated US$1,000,000 ($160,000,000) to Direct Relief.

President of the Heat Group’s business operations Eric Woolworth said, “Our hearts go out to the people of Jamaica. In Florida we are all too familiar with the widespread devastation caused by a Category 5 storm. Direct Relief provides life-saving and ongoing assistance, which is so critical as residents begin the long road to rebuilding their communities.”

Los Angeles Lakers star Deandre Ayton, whose mother is Jamaican, has pledged US$100,000 ($16 million), just a few months after refurbishing the Cedar Spring Community Centre in St Elizabeth, one of the many parishes affected during the hurricane.

“I was just in my mom’s hometown this summer, helping open a community centre for the next generation — a space meant to give hope and opportunity to the kids growing up where she did,” he said. “Seeing those same communities now impacted by Hurricane Melissa breaks my heart. I’m pledging $100K to support both immediate relief and long-term rebuilding efforts across Jamaica.”

Denver Nuggets star Jamal Murray, whose father is Jamaican, announced on his social media platform that he will help with the recovery. Murray, who won the NBA title in 2023, has regularly hosted basketball camps in Jamaica, including in September.

The NBA and its players’ association, NBPA, have also committed to joining the recovery efforts.

“The entire NBA and NBPA Family is heartbroken by the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica and the Caribbean,” it said in a statement on Thursday.

“Our thoughts are with those impacted and we are grateful to the heroic first responders and volunteers providing assistance. The NBA, NBPA, our teams and players have deep roots in the region and are joining together to support immediate and long-term relief to those in need.”

The owner of the Atlanta Falcons, Arthur Blank, through his foundation, pledged US$2.5 million ($400 million) to support Jamaica and other Caribbean countries affected by Melissa.

A number of other athletes, teams, and sporting associations have sent well wishes to Jamaica and have shared various ways on how to donate to the recovery efforts.

BELL… if we can play even a small part, hopefully we can make a difference

NBA champion Norman Powell, who made his debut for Jamaica in August, donated $16 million through his foundation. (Photo: FIBA)

Los Angeles Lakers centre Deandre Ayton (left) and his mother Andrea Ayton, at the reopening of the Cedar Spring Community Centre in St Elizabeth in July 2025. Ayton has pledged $16 million towards the recovery efforts.

Reggae Boyz captain and goalkeeper Andre Blake (right), in partnership with his MLS Club, Philadelphia Union, have organised a hurricane relief drive. (Photo: Philadelphia Union)