KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Draughts Association (JDA) made a notable impact at the recent Sports Development Foundation (SDF) Heritage Day Sports/Games Competition, showcasing its prowess in promoting strategic and critical thinking, discipline and excellence.

The association demonstrated its commitment to developing well-rounded athletes and promoting sports development in Jamaica as O’Neil Gordon, a Class 2 Draughts player, delivered a remarkable performance, securing a gold medal in darts with exceptional accuracy and focus.

This achievement not only highlights Gordon’s skill but also underscores the cognitive benefits of playing draughts, which include improved strategic thinking, problem-solving and analytical skills.

These skills are transferable to real-life situations, enabling individuals to analyse problems, evaluate options and make informed decisions.

By playing draughts, individuals can improve their cognitive function, memory and concentration. The JDA’s emphasis on promoting strategic and critical thinking is beneficial not only for its members but also for the community at large.

The JDA was well-represented at the event, with key executives in attendance, including President Jermaine Delattibudiere, Treasurer Oraine Thompson and Assistant General Secretary Ronald Taylor.

Other notable JDA members present included International Grandmaster Wayne “Shines” Reid and Federation Master Rohan Thomas, aka FabKid.

The JDA’s participation in the SDF Heritage Day Sports/Games Competition demonstrates their commitment to developing well-rounded athletes and promoting sports development in Jamaica.

The group will host its National Championships on Sunday, November 30, 2025 at the Port of Call Hotel on Crane Road in Black River, St Elizabeth. It promises to be an exciting showcase of talent.

This year’s National Championships are expected to be highly competitive, with several players vying for the top spot. Shines, the American Pool Checkers Association (APCA) 2023 and 2025 Champion for the Top Masters Division, who won the Zone 4 Partnership Fiesta Draughts-64 Tournament last August, is set to reclaim his crown.

Other notable competitors include Sergeant Jason Wisdom, who placed second in the 2023 APCA Championships, and won the 2024 Pool Checkers Open Championships and Delattibudiere, who placed fourth in the Top Masters Division of the 2024 JDA National Championships and sixth in the Top Masters Division of the 2023, 2024 and 2025 APCA.