With the Jamaica Lacrosse Association (JLA) set to host the Pan-American Men’s Lacrosse Championship in August as part of its push towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) has answered the call for financial assistance.

The championship is scheduled for August 16-23, 2026, at the Mico University College and Stadium East, marking the first international competition for the sport in Jamaica and the Caribbean.

The cost of delivering sport continues to rise, and the JOA has consistently partnered with its member associations to support both participation in, and the hosting of, major events.

The JOA previously provided financial assistance to the JLA in 2023 when it staged the successful PALA Sixes Cup in Jamaica, and has now stepped in again as the association prepares to host the upcoming championship and pursue Olympic qualification.

“They say history repeats itself. Well, the JOA and the JLA can tell you that, for us, in sport that is a truism. The JOA will further tell you that it is a culture that we live in — supporting the aspirations of the sportsmen and women and youth of our member associations, and bringing them across thresholds towards the Olympic stage,” said JOA President Christopher Samuda.

In August, three of the world’s top teams — United States, Canada, and Haudenosaunee (the indigenous creators of the sport) — are to converge in Kingston alongside other regional contenders, with high-stakes competition on offer as teams vie for limited qualification spots.

JLA President Calbert Hutchinson is realistic about the challenge ahead.

“Jamaica sits amongst the top lacrosse countries in the world, and we have qualified both male and female teams at all levels in the sport and are a powerhouse in the Pan-American region. The road to the 2028 LA Olympics will be tough but highly possible for our rising stars.

“The JamLac team will be going up against the US and Canada within our region, among other countries, for only three allocated spots. This has made the stakes very high, but we are ready for the battle,” Hutchinson said.

The sport continues to grow locally. At the 2023 Men’s World Championship, Jamaica finished eighth — its highest-ever ranking — while the Under-20 men’s team reached the 2025 quarter-finals after defeating Ireland 10-7 and New Zealand 18-6. The women’s team also competed at the 2024 Under-20 World Championship.

“We partner with our members to not only footprint regionally and globally but, importantly, to make their imprints indelibly in announcing their arrival on the world stage as of right and by virtue of merit. Lacrosse understands this, has bought into this vision, and is on a mission.

“It may not be a September to remember, but I can tell you it will be an august August,” Samuda added.

The championship will also serve as a continental qualifier for the 2027 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship in Japan, a key step on the road to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, where the sport will make its historic return.