THE stage is set for the ultimate fusion of fitness and entertainment as the organisers of FitFest Party and Expo officially announced the details of their 2026 series, with the first staging slated for January 31 at the NWC Sports Club in Mona, St Andrew.

FitFest 2026 aims to redefine the wellness landscape by supporting the fight against noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) by combining high-intensity workout sessions, a comprehensive health expo, and a vibrant party atmosphere. During the recent media launch various featured key stakeholders emphasised the importance of physical activity and community engagement in building a healthier nation.

Juliet Cuthbert Flynn, minister of state in the Ministry of National Security and Peace as well as wellness trainer and Olympian, praised the initiative for making fitness accessible and fun. She further challenged Jamaicans to view wellness as a lifelong commitment rather than a temporary trend.

“Fitness is a lifestyle, and we should all practise and incorporate that in our daily lives. While it is encouraging to see more gyms opening, we must ask ourselves: Are we getting healthier?” she noted.

Highlighting the growing number of fast-food establishments, she also encouraged Jamaicans to change their lifestyle mindset. She shared sobering statistics from the Ministry of Health and Wellness revealing that strokes claim 2,000 lives in Jamaica each year out of 7,000 diagnoses — a reality she insists can be changed through consistent exercise and good, balanced nutrition.

A vision for integrated fitness

Kurt Dunn, CEO of BodybyKurt: FitFest Party & Expo, shared his vision for the upcoming event, noting that this year’s production will be the largest to date.

“FitFest has grown from a workout session into the island’s premier fitness movement. But as we grow, our ‘why’ remains the same. We cannot ignore the reality of our landscape. Health is no longer just a personal choice; it is a national priority, and FitFest is our response to that challenge,” Dunn explained.

The event has garnered significant corporate support, most notably from the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund, which continues to prioritise projects that enhance the well-being of the Jamaican populace.

Hilary Coulton, public relations and administrative manager, CHASE Fund, highlighted why the organisation chose to partner with FitFest this year.

“We have been with FitFest for the last few years because it aligns with our mandate to support healthy lifestyle programmes. We like the vision, the consistency, and we believe FitFest is really getting the message across about fitness. We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the fitness experience,” Coulton shared.

BodybyKurt FitFest Party & Expo is Jamaica’s premier fitness lifestyle movement, blending high-energy entertainment with the latest innovations in health, lifestyle, and holistic wellness. Since March 2018, it has been bringing fun and excitement to exercising for both fitness enthusiasts and those beginning their journey, using aerobics of the 90s to 2000s with its distinctive dance moves. With noncommunicable diseases on the rise across Jamaica, fostering a culture of health and activity for every generation has never been more critical.