Jamaica is set to welcome a delegation from Zambia consisting of two coaches and six athletes, who will train in the island renowned for producing some of the world’s best sprinters and track and field coaches.
Minister of Sport Olivia Grange shared the news last Friday during an event at her ministry, where symbolic envelopes were presented to members of Jamaica’s Paris 2024 Olympic delegation, representing their share of JMD $45 million in government grants.
While Minister Grange did not disclose the exact date of the Zambian delegation's arrival or the duration of their stay, she emphasized the significance of Jamaica’s role in global athletics.
“We are in the final stages of welcoming a delegation from Zambia of two coaches and six athletes, who will be coming to Jamaica for training,” Grange announced.
Addressing concerns about Jamaica training international athletes who could one day become rivals, Grange expressed pride in the country’s coaching and athletic prowess.
“People always say, why are our clubs and our coaches training other people to beat us? I don’t see it that way because, one, we are good at what we do—not only our athletes but also our coaches,” Grange said. “It’s a compliment when other countries want to draw upon our skills. But the more they draw upon our skills, it is the more we are motivated to beat them.”
The minister framed the collaboration as a mutually beneficial opportunity, showcasing Jamaica’s excellence while fostering goodwill in global athletics.
Jamaica’s reputation as a global leader in track and field has attracted athletes and coaches from around the world, eager to learn from the country’s elite coaching methods and training programs. Hosting the Zambian delegation is the latest example of Jamaica’s influence and its willingness to share expertise.
More details about the Zambian delegation’s visit, including their training schedule and the clubs they will collaborate with, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. This exchange reinforces Jamaica’s status not only as a powerhouse in athletics but also as a hub for global sporting development.