GraceKennedy (GK) has announced its renewed sponsorship of the 2024 Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) Grace Shield under-19 cricket competition.

The sponsorship is being undertaken by GK General Insurance (GKGI) and First Global Bank (FGB) and is valued at approximately J$9 million. 

GK’s sponsorship of the ISSA Grace Shield began in 2001. 

GK Group CEO Don Wehby commented, “Our longstanding support of schoolboy cricket in Jamaica is a part of our long-term commitment to our youth, our schools, sports development and our country.

This competition is the gold standard, and we see it as a great way to give back to our community, help develop future cricket stars and contribute to a sport that impacts so many Jamaicans in a positive way.”

Speaking at the competition’s media launch held at GraceKennedy’s headquarters in Kingston today, President of FGB, Radcliffe Daley explained, “For over a decade, First Global Bank has been a proud supporter of cricket in Jamaica, fostering youth talent and promoting the sport at the grassroots level. Our belief in the significance of the sport is why we've partnered with ISSA, committing to 'go further together' in developing our athletes at every stage of their journey.” 

Daley added, “Our commitment extends beyond the field; we invest in programmes that provide educational and life-skill opportunities for young athletes.” 

This year’s staging of the ISSA Grace Shield and Headley Cup will run from January 26 to April 30 and will see the participation of 43 schools from across the island, 28 in the Headley Cup and 15 in the Grace Shield.

Action in both competitions gets underway on Tuesday with four matches in the Headley Cup and three in the Grace Shield.

In the Grace Shield, St. Jago will play Ardenne, Jonathan Grant will face Wolmer’s Boys and Bridgeport will face Norman Manley while in the Headley Cup, Ocho Rios will play Ferncourt, Herbert Morrison will play Browns Town, Green Pond will take on York Castle and Cambridge will play Cornwall College,

Chaluk Richards, General Manager, GKGI, commented, “At GK General Insurance, we believe in the transformative power of sports. We are excited to support a competition that not only promotes healthy competition but also brings together schools, communities, and families in a celebration of talent, hard work, and sportsmanship.” 

Richards concluded, “We look forward to witnessing the incredible talent that our schools have to offer, the spirited matches, and the camaraderie that this competition will foster.”