SAMUDA...We support sport in providing a space for the displaced who are not architects of wars and engineers of social and political discord.
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Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) President Christopher Samuda lauded the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) decision to include a refugee team at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games as a groundbreaking move that transcends sport and reaffirms the Olympic movement’s commitment to humanity.
Samuda, who spoke passionately about the decision, highlighted its transformative potential for refugees and the world at large as he pointed out that the move is more than just a sporting milestone—it is a profound act of global empathy.
“The recent Executive Board's decision of the IOC to allow an Olympic refugee team to compete at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games is not only historic but visionary,” Samuda told SportsMax.Tv.
“It has given the world of sport a perspective of humanity that victory is not won on the battlefield but on the field of sport, where principle integrates and values unite,” he declared.
The refugee team will consist of athletes based on the continent, with the exact composition and selection for Dakar 2026 set to be determined at a later date and will once again be decided by the IOC Executive Board.
The IOC says it’s hoping that the decision will bring worldwide attention to the reality of Africa hosting nearly 48 million people out of the 120 million displaced globally.
For Samuda, this evolution, which marks the continuation of an initiative that began with the introduction of the Refugee Olympic Team at the Rio 2016 Games, represents a beacon of hope for displaced individuals who have endured unimaginable adversity.
He also stressed the importance of creating opportunities for refugees through sport, framing it as a moral imperative.
“The Jamaica Olympic Association supports giving hope to the aspiration of refugees. We support sport in providing a space for the displaced who are not architects of wars and engineers of social and political discord,” he said.
“To disenfranchise them when they are blameless is just not right. They say the good must suffer for the bad, but I say it is insufferable for the good to be suffocated by the bad,” Samuda noted.
That said, Samuda views the inclusion of refugee athletes as a testament to sport's power to transcend barriers, heal divisions, and inspire collective action. He urged the global sporting community to embrace this opportunity to effect change.
“Let sport rise to the occasion and right the wrong, and let the Olympic movement be in the vanguard for a more empathetic world citizenry. It is a clarion call for humanity to find common ground, not just on the fields of play but in the values we uphold as a global community,” he ended.
Sherdon Cowan is a five-time award-winning journalist with 10 years' experience covering sports.
Julien Alfred’s Foundation hosts first christmas party for students at alma mater
Olympic 100m gold medalist and World Indoor 60m champion Julien Alfred has taken a monumental step in giving back to her community through the Julien Alfred Foundation. The foundation hosted its inaugural event—a delightful Christmas party—at her alma mater, Ciceron R.C. Combined School, creating an unforgettable day for the students filled with gifts, treats, and inspiration.
The event featured live band performances, festive activities, and a highlight moment: a live Zoom chat with Alfred herself. The St. Lucian track star shared words of encouragement with the students, reflecting on her journey from the very classrooms they now occupy to the pinnacle of global athletics.
Alfred, who officially launched her foundation in April in St. Lucia, revealed back then the profound inspiration behind the initiative. In an exclusive interview with Sportsmax.TV, she shared, “I just wanted to give back to the youth. Whether it’s academically or sports-wise, I want to provide them with opportunities I wish I had at their age.”
Supported by sponsors Puma and First National Bank, as well as Alfred’s personal contributions, the Julien Alfred Foundation focuses on meeting critical needs for St. Lucian youth. From school supplies to athletic equipment, the foundation is driven by Alfred’s commitment to empowering the next generation.
Alfred’s determination to give back stems from her humble beginnings in St. Lucia. Despite her meteoric rise to becoming an Olympic champion, Alfred has remained deeply connected to her roots.
The Christmas party at Ciceron R.C. Combined School was a resounding success, leaving the students with cherished memories and a sense of inspiration. Through her foundation, Alfred not only delivered a day of joy but also a message of hope, proving that greatness can emerge from any corner of the world.
Seville, Pryce latest Jamaicans to sign with Grand Slam Track™
Sprinter Oblique Seville and 400m star Nickisha Pryce are the latest Jamaican athletes to sign with Grand Slam Track, the new global home of professional track competition, launched earlier this year by four-time US Olympic Champion Michael Johnson.
The signings were announced in a press release on Tuesday morning.
Nickisha Pryce won 400m national titles in Jamaica in 2023 and 2024. She had a strong collegiate career that culminated in her becoming the 2024 NCAA 400m Champion, breaking the NCAA record and Jamaican national record with her 48.89-second performance.
She further improved her national record to 48.57 seconds at the London Diamond League and competed in the 400m semi-finals at the 2024 Summer Olympics. Pryce was also a silver medalist at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest as part of the 4x400m relay team.
"Joining Grand Slam Track™ is a dream come true for me," said Pryce. "I've spent years working toward competing at the highest level, and this is the perfect opportunity to push myself even further. I'm excited for the challenge and ready to bring my best to every race. The road ahead will be tough, but I believe I have the strength to rise to it and accomplish even more, both on and off the track."
Oblique Seville is renowned for his prowess in the 100m and 200m.
After securing a spot on the Jamaican Olympic team in 2021, Seville competed in the Tokyo Olympics, advancing to the 100m semi-finals.
His ascent continued with fourth-place finishes in the 100m at the 2022 and 2023 World Championships, and a bronze medal as part of the 4x100m relay team at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest.
He also tied the Jamaican national record in the 60m during the 2023 indoor season in a time of 6.42 seconds.
In 2024, Seville clocked a world-leading 9.82 seconds at the Racers Grand Prix in Kingston and ended the season with a personal best of 9.81 seconds from the Paris Olympics, where he was a finalist. With his focus firmly on breaking more records, Seville is already recognised as one of the world's top sprinters.
“I’ve always known that to be the best, you have to compete with the best, and the opportunity to do that in Grand Slam Track™ is exactly what I’ve been preparing for,” said Seville.
“The races in this series will be a perfect platform to test my speed, consistency, and ability to perform under pressure. I’m excited to show the world that I can compete at the highest level and continue breaking records. The challenge of Grand Slam Track™ excites me because it’s more than just about personal success—it’s about competing at the pinnacle of the sport and pushing the limits of what’s possible."
Yohan Blake to be inducted into Ark of the City Wall of Fame in Miami
Jamaican sprinting legend Yohan Blake is set to receive a prestigious honour as he is inducted into the Ark of the City Wall of Fame on Saturday, December 14, 2024, in Miami. Blake shared the exciting news with his followers on Instagram, marking another milestone in his illustrious career both on and off the track.
The Ark of the City Wall of Fame celebrates community leaders and exceptional individuals who have made meaningful contributions to society. This year’s honorees include a diverse group of trailblazers such as Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, Miami activist Nancy Dawkins, and hip-hop icon Joseph "Fat Joe" Cartagena. The induction ceremony will feature a parade, toy giveaway, and other festive activities as part of the 17th annual Christmas on 15th Avenue community celebration.
In a joint statement, the Ark of the City Foundation, the City of Miami, and Miami-Dade County congratulated Blake and his fellow honourees for their "tremendous contributions and support," hailing Blake not only as the "2nd Fastest Man in the Universe" but also as a community leader.
Blake’s induction into the Wall of Fame highlights his growing influence beyond athletics. The 2011 100m world champion recently opened Butcher's Barrel, a restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, joining the ranks of the Florida business community. His transition from sprinting to entrepreneurship mirrors his commitment to building a legacy of excellence and giving back.
Blake's induction is just one of the many highlights of the day, which will also pay tribute to Miami Mayor Francis Suarez for his impactful leadership. The event, centered at 6849 NW 15th Avenue, kicks off with a parade at 11:00 AM, followed by the Wall of Fame ceremony at 12:30 PM. Families can enjoy free toys, treats, and rides, making it a celebration of unity, community, and holiday spirit.
The Ark of the City Foundation expressed its excitement for the event, calling it a chance to "honour our leaders, inspire the next generation, and share the holiday spirit." With Blake’s induction, the event promises to be an unforgettable day of celebration.
Yohan Blake’s journey to becoming one of the fastest men in history has inspired millions. His dedication to excellence, both on the track and in his community endeavours, continues to shine as a beacon of hope and ambition. As he takes his place among the honorees in Miami on December 14, Blake adds another chapter to his remarkable story—one that continues to uplift and unite communities far beyond the world of athletics.
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