KINGSTON, Jamaica — Gatorade will return to the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) Boys and Girls Championships this year as the Official Isotonic Beverage Sponsor, backing several key events as the competition gets underway at the National Stadium in Kingston next week.

In a release, the sports drink company shared that the ISSA Boys and Girls Championships, which runs from March 24 to 28, continues to deliver high-intensity performances across multiple days, with athletes often competing through heats, semi-finals and finals in pursuit of titles for their schools.

The brand’s involvement, its first since 2017, comes as Champs maintains its position as the premier stage for Jamaica’s schoolboy and schoolgirl athletes, and a launching point for many of the country’s international track and field stars.

As part of this year’s championships, Gatorade will sponsor a number of events across both track and field, including the Girls Class 1 High Jump and Shot Put, Boys Class 2 400 metres, Boys Class 1 1500 metres, and the Girls Class 2 Hurdles — events expected to feature some of the top performers of the week.

Gatorade will also provide hydration support throughout the championships, including a station near the finish line to assist athletes with recovery following their events.

Developed through sports science research, Gatorade is formulated to help athletes replace fluids and electrolytes lost during intense physical activity, supporting performance and recovery during demanding competition.

Brand Coordinator Stephan Bennett said the brand’s return is focused on supporting athletes as they compete at one of the most demanding meets on the local calendar.

“Champs is one of the most competitive environments for young athletes, and it requires a high level of preparation, discipline and endurance,” Bennett said.

“We are proud to support athletes throughout the Championships and to be part of an event that continues to shape Jamaica’s track and field future.”

As part of its return, Gatorade has also launched a fan-driven social media promotion inviting alumni and supporters to vote for the school they will be repping this year. The school receiving the most votes will win a month’s supply of Gatorade to support its track and field programme.