JAAA's president Garth Gayle (right) and SVL's head of marketing Kamal Powell in discussion.
The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) and Supreme Ventures Limited have rekindled their partnership with fresh five-year agreement, which both views as a cornerstone of their collective efforts to promote and develop the sport.
JAAA’s president Garth Gayle said the agreement valued at $25 million will go a far way in assisting his administration to offset expenses for the National Championships, which gets underway on Thursday, among other things, as they strive to ensure the best output for those under their charge.
Supreme Ventures began sponsoring the annual national track and field championships in 2004, and only took a break once in 2017, before returning a year later with a $10 million deal, and has never left since then.
“Supreme Ventures has laid the foundation for a fruitful and continuous relationship. We are very proud of what took place in the past and what will take place going forward. We are very grateful for their gesture and commitment of five years. As the governing body for athletics we cannot do it alone and while we operate within the guidelines and construct of rules and guidelines, at times we had to make adjustments but in consultation with our stakeholders,” Gayle said during a press conference at the JAAA’s offices on Wednesday.
“So this will go a very far way because I don't think the public understands how costly it is to put on a track and field, and an event such as our National Championships. It is a considerable amount of money and so the contribution by Supreme Ventures will go a far way in assisting us to make the event successful.
“What you are witnessing is the continued cooperation between the JAAA and an excellent philanthropic company Supreme Ventures. We want to work for the betterment of track and field in Jamaica. The JAAA is a caring organisation, and so we work with our partners to achieve the best for all concerned,” he added.
Kamal Powell, head of marketing at SVL explained that the betting company’s longstanding support for sports in Jamaica, particularly track and field, facilitates the consistency required, offering the resources needed to excel on the global stage.
“We understand that the journey of an athlete is one of dedication, perseverance and the relentless pursuit of excellence. From grassroots initiatives to supporting major national teams, our commitment to Jamaican sports has been unwavering. We have seen firsthand the incredible talent and potential of our athletes and we are dedicated to providing them with the resources and support they need to excel on the global stage,” Powell said.
“Our contribution is not just an investment in sports, it's an investment in the country and the country's future. By supporting our athletes, we're fostering the culture of excellence, discipline and perseverance. We believe that this commitment will help our athletes to achieve their dreams and allow them to continue to bring glory to the Jamaica and the world stage,” he added.
Sherdon Cowan is a five-time award-winning journalist with 10 years' experience covering sports.
Shanieka Ricketts and Traves Smikle both secure sixth national titles in triple jump and discus at Jamaica National Championships
Shanieka Ricketts and Traves Smikle delivered stellar performances on day three of the Jamaica National Championships in Kingston on Saturday, each clinching their respective events in style.
Ricketts, a seasoned triple jumper, secured her sixth national title with a leap of 14.50m at the National Stadium. The 32-year-old, who boasts a lifetime best of 15.03m, dominated the competition, underscoring her status as one of Jamaica's premier athletes.
NCAA champion Ackelia Smith pushed Ricketts closely, finishing second with a commendable effort of 14.44m, while Imani Oliver claimed third place with a jump of 13.69m.
In the men’s discus, Traves Smikle also captured his sixth national title with a commanding throw of 67.08m. The 32-year-old's performance secured a clear victory over Roje Stona, who managed a best effort of 65.29m. Ralford Mullings completed the podium with a throw of 64.92m.
Thomas-Dodd throws season’s best 19.32m to win ninth national shot put title at JAAA National Senior Championships
2019 World Championship silver medallist Danniel Thomas-Dodd secured her ninth national title in the shot put on day three of the JAAA National Senior and Junior Championships at the National Stadium in Kingston on Saturday.
The 2018 Commonwealth Games champion produced a season’s best 19.32m to win ahead of Lloydricia Cameron (17.62m) and Danielle Sloley (13.55m).
Thomas-Dodd will be heading to her third Olympic Games.
The 31-year-old failed to make it out of the qualifying round in Rio in 2016 and Tokyo in 2021 and is hoping to go further in Paris.
“The number one aim is to make it to the finals and give myself a fair chance of putting together something nice,” she said.
“I know for sure it’s definitely going to take over 20m to get myself on the podium so my coach came to me and asked me to get 19.3 at the national championships. It’s definitely a step in the right direction,” she added.
Adding to a legacy: Rochester highlights significance of consistent representation at global events as Knight-Wisdom, Lyn, Kirlew to fly aquatics flag at Paris Games
Aquatics Sports Association of Jamaica (ASAJ) president Lance Rochester says the achievements of Yona Knight-Wisdom, Sabrina Lyn and Josh Kirlew in making the cut for this summer’s Paris Olympic Games are not just personal victories, but are pivotal in adding to a legacy for Jamaican aquatics sports.
Rochester’s sentiments came as he highlighted the importance of continued investment in training and youth development programmes, in particular, to sustain and grow all eight disciplines –swimming, open water swimming, master’s swimming, artistic swimming, diving, high diving, water polo, and beach water polo –across the aquatics umbrella.
British-born Knight-Wisdom, 29, the country’s diving flagbearer, continues to inspire with his dedication and remarkable skill, as he secured qualification to a third-straight Olympic Games, following appearances at the 2016 and 2020 Games.
Sabrina Lyn
For 18-year-old Lyn and British-born Kirlew, 24, it will be their first outing at the global multi-sport showpiece, as they were selected as the country’s highest ranked athletes to fill the two universality spots allotted to the ASAJ.
“Visibility is critical in sports and those who compete at the highest level help to inspire the next generation. Ultimately, the ASAJ wants to bring all of the eight disciplines which are currently under the umbrella to the top of the world stage and we are working assiduously towards laying the foundation to achieve that goal over time,” Rochester told SportsMax.TV.
“With regard to diving, the ASAJ is looking forward to the development of this discipline and the support which Yona continues to provide. After Paris, Yona will be in Jamaica hosting another installment of his diving camp, which aims to develop a generation of local divers. So we are committed to nurturing and developing talent so that Jamaica continues to shine in aquatics sports,” he added.
Josh Kirlew
While there were concerns that the retirement of the decorated Alia Atkinson, Keanan Dols, Kelsie Campbell and others, would take away from Jamaica having at least one prominent figure on the world stage, Rochester could not be more thrilled about Knight-Wisdom, Lyn and Kirlew’s upcoming Olympic Games participation.
In fact, the president viewed the trio’s efforts in maintaining a competitive presence as invaluable for Jamaica's growing reputation in aquatics sports.
“It's always important to have representation at top tier events, especially the Olympic Games. Our selectees, Sabrina and Josh, went through a rigorous and stressful selection process where they came out ranked at the top. The ASAJ is proud of their efforts and those who were in contention. Yona making a third straight Olympic Games is a remarkable feat and one we are also very proud as he continues to keep Jamaica on the map where diving is concerned,” Rochester said.
“I must also emphasize that, while Alia is no longer in the water representing Jamaica, she provides invaluable support to the development of our aquatics programmes behind the scenes,” he revealed.
Yona Knight-Wisdom
“This year alone, Jamaica had strong performances at key regional events such as the Carifta Games and CCCAN. We had a strong medal haul and some standout performances, so we have to ensure that we provide all of our athletes with first rate support to ensure that they transition to the elite level,” the president noted.
Finally, Rochester pointed out that the upcoming participation of the country’s aquatic athletes has already fostered a sense of pride and optimism. As such, he encouraged the trio to continue striving for excellence as their respective journey to the Olympic Games is a story of hope and inspiration for all Jamaicans.
“For an event like the Olympic Games, the ASAJ is grateful to the Jamaica Olympic Association and Government of Jamaica for the financial, logistic and technical support for our athletes. So, we just want our athletes to prepare well, trust their coaches, do their best and continue to represent Jamaica proudly and inspire others,” Rochester ended.
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