AHEAD of Jamaica’s participation in next year’s Pan American Games in Lima, Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) President Christopher Samuda says athlete development is their priority, after partnering with the Peruvian Olympic Committee (COP)

The two national olympic committees signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at Olympic House in Peru’s capital last Friday, ahead of the 2027 Pan American and Parapan American Games from July 23 to August 8.

Under the agreement, the JOA and the COP will work together on technical and educational programmes across several sports, aimed at improving expertise and sharing knowledge. They also plan to introduce new and improved training methods for athletes, coaches and officials.

Samuda says partnering with the Pan Am Games hosts should lead to greater results for Jamaica’s athletes.

“This partnership embodies more than a handshake as two nations in sport are embracing in the interest of our sportsmen and women who are central to our vision and at the heart of Olympism,” Samuda said.

“This alliance is engineered in demonstrating commitment to our men, women and youth in sport. This bilateral relationship bridges history, cultures, languages and peoples across and beyond geographical boundaries in making the two become one in sport.”

COP President Renzo Manyari Velazco says they’re committed to improving Peru’s and Jamaica’s standing in sports.

“This partnership reinforces a shared commitment to develop sport with integrity, technical rigour, and a long-term vision, contributing to a more connected and collaborative Olympic community. President Samuda has been a key figure in making this historic agreement possible. Today, Peru and Jamaica stand stronger than ever,” said Velazco.

Jamaica is expected to compete in several sports across the Pan Am and Parapan Am Games, including track and field and football.

In the 2023 Pan Am Games in Santiago, Chile, the island competed in 12 sports and walked away with six medals. Four medals came from athletics, with Jaheel Hyde being the lone gold medallist in the men’s 400m hurdles while cyclist Dahlia Palmer and wrestler Aaron Johnson won bronze in their respective events.

Since their first participation in 1951, Jamaica has won 155 medals at the Pan Am Games, which include 32 gold.

— Daniel Blake