1996 Olympian Dr. Neil Gardner is the new president of The National Association of Jamaican Olympians (NAJO), formerly known as the Jamaica Olympian Association (JOA), after being elected at the association’s Annual General Assembly last week.

The meeting began with a vote that allowed attending members to change the name of the association with the aim of achieving an image more representative of its members.

Once that was completed, next on the agenda was electing a new president and Gardner, who represented Jamaica at the Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996 as a semi-finalist in the 400-metre hurdles, was the selected candidate, succeeding Marvin Anderson.

Gardner emphasized the importance of starting with determination and announced the first committee meeting for early January, with the aim of charting the organization’s development path.

"I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me and the executive team," Gardner stated.

From now on, the head official will be supported by a leadership team that includes Toni-Ann Williams as vice-president, Cathy Rattray Samuel as general secretary, and Allan Marsh as treasurer.

Additionally, the committee includes distinguished members such as Aleen Bailey, Kaliese Spencer Carter, Vilma Charlton, Christine Day, Winthrop Graham, Zara Northover, Garth Robinson, and Ruth Williams Simpson.

The new leadership's goals include rebranding the association, defining a strategic plan, and strengthening its image as an influential entity in Jamaican sport.

The meeting continued with the unanimous adoption of a new constitution.

Included is an amendment allowing Jamaica Olympic Association president, Christopher Samuda, to hold an ex officio position on the executive committee as a non-voting member.

"The position will allow the alignment of Olympic values, political considerations, and developmental initiatives of both entities while also deepening Olympic ties and fostering coordinated action in the interest of the nation," Samuda said.

"In many ways, this is a new and purposeful chapter in the lives of our Olympians, as the current National Association of Jamaican Olympic Athletes has been set in motion with the intention of adapting its strategic and developmental goals. With the support of the executive and under Gardner's leadership, I trust we can transform an association into an institution and an institution into a movement," he added.

Founded in 2004, NAJO is composed exclusively of athletes who have competed for Jamaica in the Olympic Games with a mission is to unite and represent Olympians, advocate for their interests, and promote the values of Olympism on the island.