The Jamaica Down Syndrome Foundation (JDSF) is excited to announce the inaugural 'Bredrin Walk,' a 2km event designed to raise awareness, generate funds, and provide crucial resources for individuals living with Down Syndrome. Scheduled for October 13, 2024, at Hope Gardens in Kingston, the walk will celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month, observed globally in October. This milestone event signifies a significant step in Jamaica’s efforts to enhance understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of individuals with Down Syndrome while fostering unity across the community.
Inspired by the 'Buddy Walk,' an event established by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995, the 'Bredrin Walk' has been rebranded to reflect the close bonds and mutual respect in the Jamaican community. The event will bring together families, friends, advocates, and supporters from across the island to celebrate the lives and achievements of individuals with Down Syndrome. Participants will walk side by side to promote the values of inclusion and solidarity, which have been central to the JDSF since its founding in 2007.
Since its establishment, the JDSF has worked diligently to support families raising children with Down Syndrome, providing emotional and practical assistance, educational resources, and advocacy. The organization maintains a database of families with Down Syndrome children and offers guidance on utilizing available resources. Additionally, the JDSF has been instrumental in global advocacy efforts, contributing to the United Nations' recognition of March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day in 2011.
Dr. Charmaine Scott, Founder and Chairperson of the JDSF, emphasized the importance of the Bredrin Walk, saying, "Down Syndrome is not a barrier to success, happiness, or love. It is a part of the beautiful diversity that makes our world richer and more vibrant. The Bredrin Walk will be more than just a fundraiser or an awareness campaign; it will be a celebration of unity, acceptance, and the relentless spirit of our community."
Funds raised through the Bredrin Walk will directly support programs and services for individuals with Down Syndrome and their families, including educational resources, therapy sessions, and advocacy initiatives. The JDSF also acknowledged the crucial support from sponsors, including Hope Gardens, Jamaica Moves (MOHW), Kemtek Development, Jamaica Producers Group, CB Facey Foundation, Tim's Big Heart Foundation, CIBC, Courts Jamaica Ltd., and ND Communications, whose contributions have made the event possible.
The JDSF invites all Jamaicans to participate in the Bredrin Walk and contribute to this movement of love, awareness, and support for individuals with Down Syndrome. With an entry fee of just $1,500, participants can register at Bredrin Walk Registration and be eligible to compete for a special armband raffle prize.
Together, let us take steps towards making a meaningful difference and showing our collective love and respect for individuals with Down Syndrome, because when we walk together, we walk stronger.
Real Hope, Arnett Gardens share spoils in Group A clash at National Stadium in Kingston
Real Hope FA and Arnett Gardens FC played to a scoreless draw in Group A of the 2024 Concacaf Caribbean Cup at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica.
Jeudy Jhonson attempted to score inside the box in the 33', but Arnett Gardens defender Alton Lewis was there for a crucial block.
The two teams exchanged opportunities in the 45'+3 as Peterson Pierre blocked an attempt from Kimani Arbouine. Steeve Mondestin was denied on the other end by Arnett Gardens goalkeeper Asher Hutchinson.
Jaheim Thomas had a look from outside the box in the 54', but Real Hope goalkeeper Gooly Elien got both hands on the attempt.
Watz Leazard had one of the best looks of the night in the 60' with a header on goal but Hutchinson was there for the timely denial.
Edgar Castellanos Ruiz was denied from outside the box in the 77' as Shane Watson closed in to cause a deflection.
Rushike Kelson struck from the edge of the box in the 86’, but Elien made another save.
Marlon Allen had a right-footed effort inside the box in the 90'+5, but Elien blocked the attempt to preserve his clean sheet.
Real Hope FA improved to five points to maintain its second place standing in the group. The Haitian club will face Mount Pleasant next Thursday and can advance to the semifinals with a victory.
Arnett Gardens is unable to advance to the semifinals with the draw. The Jamaican side will seek to end its campaign with a victory in its final group stage encounter against Cavalier FC next Thursday.
Unleash your power: All set for third staging of Mayberry/JOA JABBFA National Bodybuilding Championships
“Unleash Your Power: Where Mental Strength Meets Physical Excellence,” is the theme of the third staging of the Mayberry, JOA Jamaica Bodybuilding and Fitness Association (JABBFA) National Bodybuilding Championships.
This year’s event is set for Saturday, September 28 at the AC Hotel in Kingston.
“We are excited at JABBFA to showcase Jamaica’s premier bodybuilding event where the country’s top athletes will compete for the prestigious titles of Mr. and Ms. Jamaica,” said Vice President of JABBFA, Kirk Frankson at the launch of the event held at the Jamaica Olympic Association on Tuesday morning.
“This competition marks a pivotal moment in our season of bodybuilding as we continue to celebrate not only physical excellence but also the discipline, commitment and mental strength that our sport cultivates. It is a platform where our athletes don’t just showcase their physical prowess, but also their mental resilience and dedication to drive them to become the best version of themselves,” he added.
Mayberry Investments Limited will serve as main sponsors for the championships for the third year in a row.
“Today marks a significant moment for bodybuilding and fitness Jamaica as we kick off another year of showcasing the incredible talent, dedication and discipline of our athletes,” said Stephanie Harrison, VP-Marketing at Mayberry Investments Limited.
“We are very happy and elated to have accommodated this third staging and we believe in the potential of our athletes and it’s a testament to the growing importance of fitness and wellness in Jamaica,” she added.
The competition will feature 56 athletes competing in a diverse range of categories: Men’s Physique, Bodybuilding, Bikini Fitness, Body Fitness and Women’s Physique.
The Men’s Physique category will be broken down into three smaller categories: Short, Tall and Muscular while the Bodybuilding category will be broken down into two: Open and Classic.
Bikini Fitness, similar to Men’s Physique, will see three sub-categories: Short, Tall and Wellness.
There are 23 competitors registered for the Men’s Physique category with Bodybuilding, Bikini Fitness, Body Fitness and Women’s Physique following with 15, 10, 4 and 4, respectively.
“Without the athletes, none of this would’ve been possible. With their hard work and dedication, going through the diet, it’s amazing,” said JABBFA President Audrey Allwood.
A large number of Gyms around the island will be represented on Saturday including the likes of Fit Farm Fitness, Island Body Fitness, Myers Fitness Center, Work That body Gym and recent additions to the fitness landscape like Shaddai Fitness Factory among many others.
“We could not have done this without the gym because, of course, the gyms make the bodies,” Allwood said.
Allwood also expressed gratitude to Mayberry for their contributions over the last three years, referring to that period as the association’s “best ever.”
As far as prizes go, for all competitive categories with more than three participants, the top three athletes will be awarded trophies and Mayberry tokens and sponsored gift baskets.
Category winners will also receive a cash prize of JA$20,000, while the overall champions will be rewarded with JA$50,000.
Other sponsors for this year’s edition include Caribbean Producers Jamaica, Lasco Financial Services, Lasco Distributors, Ayrtons Distributors, Gustazos Jamaica, VitaMalt, Nature Valley, Powerade, Vigorton 2 Iron and Vitamin Tonic, Cheffin’z with Jolly, Fitness Junkies, Express Fitness Jamaica and PUSH.
Jamaican football community mourns sudden death of referee Wilverglen Lamey
The Jamaican football community is in mourning following the sudden passing of longtime referee Wilverglen Lamey, who collapsed and tragically died while officiating a match on Saturday, September 21, 2024. Lamey, a well-respected figure in Jamaican football, collapsed about 15 minutes into a Business House semi-final match between Metrodade Security and Seprod at the Alpha Institute. Despite efforts to rush him to the Kingston Public Hospital, he passed away.
The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), Kingston and St. Andrew Business House Football Association (BHFA), and Waterhouse Football Club have all expressed profound grief and sorrow at the news of his untimely death.
JFF President Michael Ricketts conveyed the federation’s devastation at the loss of such a committed servant of the game. “Mr. Lamey was a familiar face in games throughout the country. He was always ready to go in the middle in just about any competition. He served quietly and respectfully, ensuring that the games were held without disrepute. Sincere condolences to his family, friends, and the referee fraternity. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Ricketts said.
The Kingston and St. Andrew Business House Football Association (BHFA), under which Lamey was officiating at the time of his collapse, also expressed its deep sorrow at the loss. BHFA President Wayne Shaw reflected on Lamey’s passion for refereeing and his impact on the game over the decades. “I have known Mr. Lamey for over 22 years. He was one of the most dedicated referees I have ever met. He loved what he did, and his passion for the game was evident in every match he officiated. He will surely be missed,” Shaw said, adding that Lamey’s death has left the entire football fraternity in shock.
The BHFA also encouraged the football community to rally around Lamey’s grieving family in this difficult time, acknowledging the deep impact his sudden passing has had on those who knew and respected him.
Waterhouse Football Club, a team familiar with Lamey’s refereeing, also issued a heartfelt statement honoring his memory. “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former FIFA referee Wilverglen Lamey. His dedication to the sport and his commitment to fairness on the field left a lasting impact on the football community. Wilverglen's passion for the game and his unwavering integrity as a referee will always be remembered. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, Wilverglen.”
Lamey’s long-standing dedication to the sport saw him officiating at every level of the game in Jamaica, earning the respect of players, coaches, and his fellow referees. His sudden passing leaves a void in the football community, but his contributions and passion for the game will not be forgotten
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