Special $104,000 incentive for winners from western schools at Champs - Title sponsor GraceKennedy lays out big anniversary reward

Frank James, Group CEO of GraceKennedy, says his company will be investing $202 million in the staging of this year's ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletics Championships.

Also, James says they will be offering a special incentive for athletes from western Jamaica schools in celebration of GraceKennedy's anniversary.

"As we celebrate GraceKennedy's 104th anniversary this year, we will be providing a special award of $104,000 to any student from a western school who wins a final at this year's championships," he said.

The highly anticipated five-day championships will take place from March 24-28 at the National Stadium.

James said the $202 million investment represents a combination of direct sponsorship and brand support from several GraceKennedy subsidiaries.

"This year our primary sponsorship is valued at $108 million and when you add the brand execution from Grace Foods, GraceKennedy Money Services and First Global Bank, that represents an additional $94 million in support, totalling $202 million invested in Champs," James said during yesterday press conference at the National Arena in Kingston.

MISSING SCHOOLS

He highlighted that this year's championships will be missing several schools from western Jamaica that were heavily impacted by Hurricane Melissa last October.

"Today we feel the absence of several schools from our western parishes. The impact of Hurricane Melissa has been significant and for some schools making it to Champs this year simply was not possible," he said.

He extended encouragement to the affected institutions and expressed hope that they will return stronger next year.

"To the students, coaches and families in western Jamaica who are not with us this year, please know that your presence will be deeply missed. Strength in the face of adversity is the true mark of a champion and we look forward to seeing your colours returning to the track in 2027."

GraceKennedy has been the title sponsor of the championships since 2007, and James said the event remains one of the most exciting periods on Jamaica's sporting calendar.

"The energy in Jamaica just changes when Champs is on. It is a truly national event that brings together the very best of our Jamaican athletes while capturing the attention of the entire world.

"For five exciting days the spirit of Champs energises our entire country and reminds us of the remarkable talent, pride and determination that exist across Jamaica," he added.

GREATER SIGNIFICANCE

Meanwhile, president of the ISSA Keith Wellington said this year's championships will carry even greater significance.

"This year's championships, like that of the 2021 edition, will be of significance far greater than the usual sporting and cultural importance associated with Champs," Wellington said.

Wellington pointed out that ISSA is pleased that more than 25 schools that were severely impacted by the hurricane have made the effort to ensure their student-athletes can still participate.

He also highlighted Wednesday, March 25, as a key day of the championships and announced a fundraising initiative to support affected schools.

"On that day we will display our fastest athletes in high school, the semifinals and final of the 100 metres and the final of the 1500 metres," he said. "We believe we should use that opportunity as a country to provide whatever support we can to these schools who have made the effort to rise again.

"At ISSA, we have decided that the funds raised from tickets sold for the bleachers on that day will go towards direct contributions to the western schools," Wellington underscored.