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• JAGA president Grant-Brown, sponsors excited at inaugural Carifta Gymnastics Champs’ promise for young Caribbean talent

  With the longtime vision of a Carifta Artistic Gymnastics Championship set to come to fruition, Jamaica Gymnastics Association (JAGA) president Nicole Grant-Brown says it represents a transformative step toward greater regional collaboration and growth for Caribbean gymnasts.

  Grant-Brown shared her views during the Championships’ launch on Thursday, as she beamed with delight about the prospects of fostering development for the next generation of gymnasts in the region through the event, which she believes will become a staple on the calendar for years to come.

  Mayberry Investments and Supreme Ventures Limited will serve as main sponsors for the inaugural staging to be held at the National Indoor Sports Centre on November 29-30.

  “We are excited about this and the fact that we are the host for the very first one. It's really a channel that we're going to use for development within the region. As a region, we want to develop together; we want to do things together because that is the way to go. Right now, we are behind most of the other regions in terms of the Asians, the Europeans, and the Africans; even within our own PanAm region, our small Caribbean unit is behind,” Grant-Brown told SportsMax.Tv during the launch at JAGA’s Slipe Road base.

  “So we want to ensure that what we are doing will help with our development and will help to keep kids in the sport because it would mean they have something to look forward to. That is one of the drawbacks. When they get to a certain age, they don't want to do the sport anymore because there's nothing really to motivate them. So hopefully this will help to motivate and help them to work hard to be the best, so it's very important to us,” she added.

  Grant-Brown stressed that the Carifta Gymnastics Championships, which will feature competitors aged 7 to 20 from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Bermuda, St Vincent and the Grenadines, the Bahamas, and the Cayman Islands, will provide young gymnasts with an unprecedented opportunity to gain experience and exposure on a larger stage.

  “When Caribbean nations come together to compete, it's real competition. We compete harder against each other than we do any other nation. So expect tight competition and camaraderie because they are also friends, and I am sure they will all be competing at the highest level. But again, this championship is more than just a competition; it’s an investment in the potential of young athletes who will be able to showcase their talent and passion for gymnastics,” Grant-Brown shared.

  That said, Grant-Brown expressed gratitude to the sponsors, coaches, and everyone involved in making this inaugural event a reality, as she looks to the future of the championships and the continued growth of gymnastics in the Caribbean.

  “The planning phase to put this together was very short, so I must commend these countries for really committing to this aspect of the development process. I think we are doing something good, and we don't want to get ahead of ourselves, but we have sponsors that actually called us to be a part of this whole journey with us, and if they're calling, it means we are visible. It means we are doing something well, and we just want to continue,” a beaming Grant-Brown said.

  “With this event, we are building a legacy for young gymnasts. This is just the beginning. The Carifta Gymnastics Championships will be a stepping stone to regional and international success, and we are proud to lay the foundation right here in Jamaica,” she noted. 

  Meanwhile, Desiree Wheeler, senior marketing manager at Mayberry Investments, emphasized that their involvement in the Carifta Gymnastics Championships aligns with their mission to support and promote young talent in the region.

  “Mayberry has always had a long-standing relationship not only with the JOA but also the Gymnastics Association, so over the years, it's just been incredible to watch their growth. As a company, we understand the importance of nurturing young talent from an early age.

  “So with this being a regional competition, it's really amazing because not only does it bring light to Jamaica as a gymnastics hub, but the sport also fosters discipline, confidence, and a strong work ethic—traits that will benefit these young athletes both on and off the mat and just further build the gymnastics community,” Wheeler stated.

  For Chloleen Daley Muschett, the corporate communications and PR manager at Supreme Ventures, their involvement is an investment in youth empowerment and also in Jamaica’s role as a sports destination.

  “This partnership with gymnastics actually comes through our partnership with the JOA. So, you know, we recommitted this year to supporting the JOA for another five years, and so gymnastics is one of those sports that we are definitely attaching our name to. We're very proud to be a part of this inaugural Carifta Gymnastics Championship,” she noted.

  “We feel like investing in the sport locally is great, but when you bring in other countries within the region, you have an opportunity now to have real development. We are excited about what can come out of investing in grassroots events like this, and so we hope to see in the not too distant future Jamaica and other Caribbean countries participating even more consistently at the Olympics in gymnastics,” Muschett ended.

  NB: The Carifta Gymnastics Championships can be seen live on SportsMax and the SportsMax App.

• Mayberry Investments supports Jamaican ice hockey team's Olympic quest

  Mayberry Investments Limited (MIL), a staunch supporter of Jamaican sports, has reaffirmed its commitment to athletic excellence by partnering with the Jamaican Ice Hockey Team. This impactful collaboration includes a significant sponsorship of US$10,000 to aid the team's participation in qualifying tournaments for the Winter Olympic Games in Chicago.

  As a prominent financial institution deeply rooted in the Jamaican community, Mayberry Investments recognizes the importance of nurturing local talent and showcasing Jamaica's prowess on the global stage. Through this partnership, the company aims to not only bolster the Jamaican Ice Hockey Team's pursuit of Olympic qualification but also to spotlight the nation's capabilities in winter sports.

  "We're thrilled to embark on this journey alongside the Jamaican Ice Hockey Team as they strive for Olympic qualification," expressed Chris Berry, Executive Chairman of Mayberry Investments Limited. "Our sponsorship underscores our steadfast commitment to fostering emerging talent and elevating Jamaica's presence in international sports. Witnessing the team's remarkable performance, we're resolute in our determination to nurture and propel them towards greatness," he added, highlighting Mayberry's unwavering support for the team's trajectory.

  The Jamaican Ice Hockey Team, renowned for its extraordinary journey since 2019, has earned global acclaim with an impressive record of 12 victories out of 14 games played. Their comprehensive triumphs against teams from Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Argentina, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and Lebanon solidify Jamaica's status as one of the premier associate teams on the international stage, as highlighted by Don Anderson, President of the Jamaican Olympic Ice Hockey Federation.

  "We at JOIHF are immensely pleased that Mayberry Investments recognized the value of sponsoring our team for the Tri-State Challenger Series between Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and Lebanon," remarked Anderson. "This sponsorship significantly contributed to boosting the team's physical and mental well-being, enabling us to overcome challenges and emerge victorious in the tournament. We cannot overstate our gratitude for this sponsorship, which was embraced wholeheartedly by our directors and, most importantly, the players, who proudly posed in front of the Mayberry banner, particularly when receiving the player of the match awards, which we achieved on 3 out of the 4 occasions we played."

  The team is slated to compete in the Challenger series, comprising three tournaments over the next three months, featuring matches against Puerto Rico and Lebanon. The series kicks off in Chicago on April 18–21, followed by events in New York on June 5–9 and Toronto on July 11–14. Anderson continued to commend Mayberry for its invaluable support, underscoring the significance of this partnership.

  "JOIHF and the entire team extend heartfelt thanks to Mayberry Investments for their investment in the team," Anderson emphasized. "As a result of this greatly appreciated gesture, Jamaica emerged victorious in the first stage of the series, positioning themselves favorably to vie for the overall trophy in Toronto in July. This sponsorship is a win-win for all involved. Much gratitude from all of us at JOIHF," he concluded.

  Through this collaboration, Mayberry Investments Limited aims to inspire a new generation of athletes and champion the values of resilience, determination, and teamwork. This sponsorship exemplifies Mayberry Investments Limited's enduring commitment to empowering local talent and fostering the growth of sports in Jamaica.

  -ENDS-

• JOA rewards Netball World Cup heroes with JMD$1 million each; coach to get $2 million

  In a historic and heartwarming gesture, the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) announced today, Monday, August 28, that they will be rewarding the stellar achievements of Jamaica's netball players with JMD$1 million each (about USD$6000) for their triumphant performance at the Netball World Cup, where they clinched the bronze medal.

  The JOA's rewarding initiative encompasses a comprehensive approach, aiming to not only honor the team's success but also contribute to their future financial stability. Each player from the bronze medal-winning team will receive JMD$1 million from a joint reward from Supreme Ventures Limited and Mayberry Investments.

  The JMD$13 million in rewards will go towards funding investment accounts at Mayberry Investments for each medallist. The funds will be under management at Mayberry Investments for a period of three years or until the athlete's retirement from netball, whichever comes earlier.

  The announcement, made at the JOA headquarters on Cunningham Avenue in Kingston on Monday, August 28, marks a momentous occasion as the JOA has never before rewarded a team and their coach for their exceptional performances. Following the Tokyo Olympics, the JOA had rewarded the track and field athletes a total of JMD$45 million.

  This unprecedented decision is a testament to the remarkable journey and victories of the Jamaican netball team. Over the years, they have showcased their prowess, securing victories like the CAC gold, which ultimately culminated in their monumental success at the Netball World Cup.

  Ryan Foster, General Secretary of the JOA, expressed the significance of this moment and the association's pride in the team's accomplishments:

  "Today, the Jamaica Olympic Association celebrates and acknowledges your achievements on the court but we also want to reward them. We have watched with pride over the years of the success and progress made by our Sunshine Girls and are elated that we have been a part of that journey along with our partners SVL and Mayberry."

  Foster recounted the dedication of the team and the vital role that the JOA, along with its partners, played in supporting the sport's resurgence after the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic:

  "I remember when President (Tricia) Robinson came to us seeking ways to restart the sport after COVID and the most important goal was to get the Elite League and the National League going, and the JOA along with SVL and Marathon have invested over JMD$9 million in the restart of the Netball leagues."

  Highlighting the team's historic accomplishments, Mr. Foster emphasized that the bronze medal at the World Cup was the perfect culmination of their remarkable journey:

  "Following upon the Commonwealth Games, Caribbean Games, and CAC, all historic performances, it was only fitting that the icing on the cake was the World Cup. The JOA and our partners salutes you and your contribution to Jamaican pride, sports prowess, and generally being great ambassadors of not only yourselves but also of the JOA and our partners."

  Acknowledging the pivotal role of Coach Connie Francis, Mr. Foster announced a reward of JMD$2 million for her extraordinary leadership.

  "For the signal work done by Coach Connie Francis, the JOA will reward the coach extraordinaire with an amount of $2 million," Foster said.

  Recognizing the strength of their netball family, the JOA extended a helping hand to Latanya, contributing $1M towards her recovery. Wilson recently lost her home and all her personal belongings including her trophies and medals when arsonists set her home on fire.

  "It is in times of distress and crisis that we see the heart of our family, and Latanya, you are family. With that said, the JOA will contribute JMD$1 million towards your road to recovery."

  As the JOA, SVL, and Mayberry unite to celebrate the achievements of the Sunshine Girls, Foster assured that the journey is far from over, with the promise of continuous collaboration and support.

  "Life is what you make it. Journeys are made to be explored and memories last a lifetime. Your memorable accomplishments have warmed our hearts, and similarly, when you were to restart the sport, we will continue the journey hand in hand, a marriage that won’t be broken."

  Foster extended gratitude to SVL and Mayberry for their partnership and dedication to the athletes' success, foreshadowing further exciting announcements as the journey towards the Olympic year continues.