Fraser-Pryce with the latest scholarship recipients from the Pocket Rocket Foundation at the Jamaica Pegasus in Kingston on Thursday.
Seven student-athletes from six high schools across the island of Jamaica received scholarships valued at J$190,000, a significant increase from previous years, from the Pocket Rocket Foundation on Thursday.
This was the ninth cohort to be awarded scholarships since the foundation began offering bursaries in 2013.
At the ceremony held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Fraser-Pryce, who on Monday was conferred with the Order of Jamaica for her sustained excellence in the sport of track and field presented Ranicka Bryan, a netball player who attends the Convent of Mercy, Athilia Pryce, a track and field athlete who attends Clarendon College and Zavier Brown, a track and field athlete from York Castle High scholarships that will run throughout the remainder of their high school careers once they continue to attend school, maintain good grades and participate in sports.
Football player Kymani Francis, a student of Alphanso Davis High, Kaysian Sewell of Wolmer’s Girls, Cael Samuels, a footballer player of Wolmer’s Boys and Euvia Bennett, a track and field athlete of St Elizabeth Technical High School, were also among the recipients.
With the help of sponsors, the foundation was able to raise the student scholarship grant from J$50,000 to J$1000,000 per student.
Also, as part of what is the most valuable scholarship ever offered by the Pocket Rocket Foundation, each student-athlete received a Digicel Tablet valued at J$25,000 and J$2000 credit, a J$10,000 GraceKennedy food basket, a J$15,000 book voucher, a J$15,000 Nike gift card, J$7500 Nike book bag as well as a J$10,000 HiLo supermarket voucher.
The seven students who were selected from 72 applicants were encouraged by the five-time 100m world champion to try their best in pursuit of their respective goals.
“Giving you this start is basically telling you that you too can see beyond where you are right now and have a bright future and we believe that with the support of our sponsors, board of directors, the parents, the coaches, the school, we are able to give you access because access equals opportunity,” she said.
“And I want to make sure we are there for you, not just monetarily but holistically, to make sure we provide for you an environment that helps you to thrive.
“I hope that you continue to excel in the classroom. I am not asking you to be perfect but I am asking you to try and to do your best.”
She also implored the parents of the scholarship recipients to do their best to support them along the way.
“It is also important that you go along the journey with them to provide support and make sure you are encouraging them to continue because it can get difficult, it can get stressful at times but if they know that you are there to help and sustain them and cheer them on, it makes a difference,” she said.
“And I am always cheering on the sidelines for you.”
Leighton Levy is a journalist with 28 years’ experience covering crime, entertainment, and sports. He joined the staff at SportsMax.TV as a content editor two years ago and is enjoying the experience of developing sports content and new ideas. At SportsMax.tv he is pursuing his true passion - sports.
Fraser-Pryce confirms withdrawal from Kip Keino Classic citing 'discomfort'
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has confirmed her withdrawal from the Kip Keino Classic on Saturday where she was down to compete in her first race of the season.
Sportsmax.TV reported earlier that reports from Kenya had indicated that the five-time world 100m champion and 2023 Laureus Sportswoman of the Year had suffered an injury in training and consequently withdrew from the meet.
The Jamaican track star has now confirmed the development on social media.
“Due to discomfort during my warm up, I am deeply disappointed that I will not be competing at the Jip Keino Classic and have departed Kenya to seek treatment,” she posted on Facebook.
“Special appreciation to the event organizers and the Kenyan community. Thank you for your prayers and continued support.”
Earlier reports said she has flown to Italy to seek specialized treatment.
This will be the second delay to the start of Fraser-Pryce’s season. In April, she announced her withdrawal from the Botswana Golden Grand Prix citing a “family emergency”.
Knee injury forces Fraser-Pryce out of Kip Keino Classic; athlete reportedly has flown to Italy for treatment, according to report
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has withdrawn from the Saturday’s Kip Keino Classic after suffering a knee injury while training on Thursday, according to reports emerging from Kenya.
The 36-year-old Jamaican was expected to open her season in the 100m at the meet where she ran a then world-leading 10.67s. She arrived in Kenya earlier this week after winning the 2023 Laureus Sportswoman of the Year Award on Monday.
However, according to Sports Brief, the three-time Olympic gold medallist suffered the injury while training and has left the country to seek specialized treatment in Italy.
Fraser-Pryce missed the Botswana Golden Grand Prix on April 29 citing a 'family emergency.'
On her sixth nomination, sprint queen Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce wins prestigious Laureus Sportswoman of the Year award
The sixth time is the charm for Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce who on Monday was named 2022 Laureus Sportswoman of the Year in Paris.
The 36-year-old track star, considered the greatest female 100m sprinter of all time, was rewarded for an incredible season during which she won an unprecedented fifth 100m world title in Eugene, Oregon and created even more history by becoming the first woman to run under 10.7 seconds for the 100m, a record seven times in the same season.
After opening her season in Nairobi, Kenya, the two-time Olympic gold medallist ran times of 10.67, 10.67, 10.66, 10.67, 10.62 and 10.65 to cap an amazing season.
She also won a fifth Diamond League 100m title during the season.
“I was thrilled to be nominated alongside such inspiring female athletes,” said Fraser-Pryce, who got the nod ahead of Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, footballer Alexia Putellas, tennis star Iga Świątek, swimmer Katie Ledecky and alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin for the prestigious award.
“To win this award, voted for by some of the greatest sportsmen and women of all time, is just amazing. This is the sixth time I’ve been nominated in this category, so to finally hold the Laureus statuette in my hands is one of the greatest honours of my career.”
Fraser-Pryce is the third Jamaican athlete to win the award. Elaine Thompson-Herah won in 2022 for her exploits in 2021, while Usain Bolt won in 2009, 2010, 2013 and 2017.
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