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• JAAA announces Puma sponsorship renewal, calls for unity in sports development

  The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) has officially renewed its partnership with global sportswear giant Puma, securing a deal that it claims surpasses an offer of approximately USD $6 million annually from rival Adidas. The announcement was made during the JAAA's Annual General Meeting on Saturday, November 23, 2024. However, the JAAA did not reveal any details regarding the new deal.

  JAAA President Garth Gayle expressed gratitude for Puma’s unwavering support, particularly during the challenging pandemic years. “Puma has been an invaluable partner, supporting grassroots initiatives, high school programs, and major national events like the Boys and Girls Championships and the Gibson Relays,” Gayle noted. “Their commitment far exceeds that of their competitors, ensuring we can continue to deliver excellence in athletics.” This renewed sponsorship, Gayle emphasized, will bolster the JAAA’s efforts to sustain Jamaica’s dominance on the global stage while fostering talent development at home.

  In addition to the sponsorship announcement, the AGM saw the unopposed return of the JAAA executive, including Gayle as president. However, some changes were made to the team, reflecting a focus on inclusivity and modernization. Gayle reiterated the association's commitment to increasing athlete involvement in its operations by establishing sub-committees that accommodate their training and competition schedules. "We share the concern of those who ask for more participation by our athletes and are addressing this with structured opportunities for involvement," Gayle said.

  

  Gayle used the platform to advocate for greater collaboration between the JAAA and the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA). He urged the Minister of Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, to convene a joint meeting in the new year, emphasizing the importance of unity in advancing Jamaican sports. "The ‘Jamaica’ in the names of both associations reminds us that we serve under one flag with the development and opportunities for our athletes and sportspersons our shared commitment," Gayle stated.

  Reflecting on 2024, Gayle highlighted significant milestones, including the hosting of key local events such as the JAAA/Puma Development Meet and the Jamaica National Junior & Senior Championships. Jamaican athletes also shone on the international stage, competing in six major competitions, including the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow and the Paris Olympics. While acknowledging challenges, Gayle celebrated the resilience and dedication of athletes and coaches. The JAAA also saluted its technical teams, volunteers, and stakeholders for their contributions, including Doctors Bruce and Blake for their work with the Athletes Integrity Unit and the Anti-Doping Commission.

  As the JAAA looks to the future, Gayle emphasized the importance of stakeholder collaboration to build on Jamaica’s track and field legacy. He expressed optimism about upcoming initiatives, including enhanced coaching development and expanded competition opportunities at the regional and international levels.

  In closing, Gayle led a moment of silence to honor members of the track and field community who passed away over the past year, affirming the JAAA’s commitment to their legacy and to fostering an environment where athletes can thrive. With the renewed Puma sponsorship, the unopposed return of the executive, and a unified vision for the future, the JAAA is well-positioned to continue driving the success of Jamaican athletics.

   

   

   

   

   

   

• Dates announced for the 2027 Pan American Games

  The 2027 Pan American Games, the continent's premier multi-sport event, will take place in Lima, Peru, from July 16 to August 1, 2027, according to an announcement from the Executive Board of Panam Sports. The dates were confirmed in a letter to Federico Tong, President of the Peruvian Sports Institute, following a meeting held last week in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

   The Peruvian government presented three possible date options—May, July, and September—for hosting the Games. After thorough deliberation, the Panam Sports Executive Board selected the July timeframe, citing its alignment with the availability of the continent’s top athletes.

   “There were several factors to consider before determining the best date for the Games," said Neven Ilic, President of Panam Sports. "The proposals were analyzed, and finally, the entire Executive Board decided that it would be best to hold them in the month of July for several reasons. Perhaps the most important is that on that date we will be able to have the best athletes of the continent participating in Lima.”

   This will mark the second time Lima hosts the Pan American Games, following its successful debut as host city in 2019. The Peruvian capital joins an elite group of cities to host the event twice, alongside Mexico City (1955, 1975) and Winnipeg (1967, 1999).

   The Pan American Games is one of the world’s largest multi-sport events, featuring athletes from across the Americas competing in a diverse range of disciplines. The announcement of the 2027 dates sets the stage for another memorable celebration of sport and culture in Lima.

   

• Grand Slam Track™ announces signing of triple US Olympic Gold Medalist Gabby Thomas

  Grand Slam Track™, the new global home of professional track competition, launched earlier this year by four-time US Olympic Champion Michael Johnson, officially announced the signing of triple US Olympic Gold Medalist Gabby Thomas on Tuesday.

  Thomas set the track world on fire with her performance in the Olympic 200m final in Paris, easing to a landslide victory in a time of 21.83. The Harvard University product also won gold as part of both Team USA women’s sprint relay teams, including running an American record and the second-fastest time ever in the 4x400, at 3:15.27.

  Thomas signing with Grand Slam Track™ means fans around the globe will see her compete against the best in the world across all four Slam weekends in 2025.

  “This is an incredibly exciting day for all of us at Grand Slam Track™,” said Michael Johnson, the league’s founder and Commissioner.

  “Gabby was unquestionably one of the biggest superstars to come out of Paris, and for us to bring her excellence, exceptional speed, and tenacious competitive spirit to our league is a huge moment for us. What’s even more important is that this ensures fans around the world will get to see Gabby compete against the fastest women in the world four times a year at our Slams. We’ve been saying it and we mean it; we’re calling all rivals, and we want only the fastest. Gabby is a true American hero, and one of the most impactful athletes of 2024; we couldn’t be happier to be adding her as a signed Racer for Grand Slam Track™.”

  “I am so excited to be joining Grand Slam Track™, and partnering with Michael Johnson to give our sport the platform it deserves,” said Thomas.

  “Coming off of the Olympics, I want to continue testing myself and competing at the highest level against the fastest women in the world. Grand Slam Track™ allows us that chance in 2025. Michael’s vision is incredibly exciting, and I can’t wait to give the millions of track fans around the world even more chances to watch us compete. I look forward to seeing all of our fans at the four Slams next year,” she added.