KINGSTON, Jamaica — Student-athlete Brian Blake has qualified to represent Jamaica at two major regional table tennis events in the Dominican Republic from April 6 to 15, 2026.

The Kingston and St Andrew Table Tennis Association (KSATTA) made the announcement in a press statement.

The 17-year-old Blake, a part-time UWI, Mona Sociology major, secured his spot at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Special Event Qualifier following a fiercely contested Jamaica Table Tennis Association (JTTA) trials at the National Arena on Saturday, March 7, 2026. He placed second, trailing only former National Champion and UWI, Mona alumnus, Mark Phillips.

Late last year, the junior player booked his spot to the April 9-15, 2026, ITTF-Americas Central American and Caribbean Championships with a first-place finish at the JTTA’s Men’s Senior Trials in Kingston. But as Blake prepares to compete against the region’s best, his participation hinges on finalising his travel budget. He is currently $245,000 shy of the target required to cover accommodation for both competitions, said Stephen Grant, Director of KSATTA.

Blake’s latest selection follows a strong run of form both locally and internationally. This streak is highlighted by a bronze-medal finish at the Joola North American Table Tennis Team Championship (Division 2) in Washington, DC last November; an MVP title at the Barbican Terrace Table Tennis Autumn League while anchoring Barbican Red to victory in February, 2026; and a first-place finish earlier this month at the UWI Mona Team Trials to qualify for the UWI Games in Trinidad. The UWI Games will be held at The UWI, St Augustine Campus from May 21 to 29, 2026.

Blake’s success is the result of 10 years of disciplined competition – from securing his first U-9 National Championship Title in 2016 to captaining the St Andrew Preparatory School and Jamaica College to the medal tables. Blake has won every National Championship Title at each level of his game and now has his sights set on the U-19 title and the National Men’s Championship Title.

Blake does not plan on slowing down after the Dominican Republic events. He intends to pursue international training intensives this summer, a strategic move designed to secure his path toward Olympic qualification.

“For table tennis players, specialised training camps and regional events are vital for building the foundation for Olympic qualification,” Blake explained.

He emphasised that the journey isn’t a solo pursuit, “but a collective effort involving our players, coaches, families, and other key stakeholders”.

“The KSATTA is calling on the community and corporate Jamaica to join Blake on his road to the Olympics. While the immediate goal is to bridge a $245,000 funding gap for his April competitions, the association is also inviting long-term partners to help sustain his development on the world stage,” said Grant.

To help secure Blake’s place on the regional stage this April and beyond, please reach out to the Kingston and St Andrew Table Tennis Association (KSATTA) at (876)446-1615 or ksattajamaica@gmail.com. Every contribution brings this young Jamaican talent one step closer to his Olympic dream.