The 2024 CARIFTA Games has provided fourteen-year-old Belizean jumper Jaaden Williams with the opportunity of a lifetime as he has, according to reports from Belize, been offered an athletic scholarship by Jamaican track & field powerhouse, Jamaica College.
Williams, who hails from Punta Gorda, has been given the opportunity to further his education and athletic training in Jamaica, a country renowned for its track and field success.
This offer marks a significant milestone for the youngster, who expressed his surprise and optimism about the future upon his return to Belize from the games.
“The offer came out of the blue despite my performance at the Games,” Williams shared with Belizean reporters.
At the Games, Williams jumped 5.37m to finish 17th in the Under-17 Boys long jump and 11.36m to finish 13th in the triple jump.
Williams, who is set to start his new journey in September, also aspires to become a pilot.
Belize celebrated success at the CARIFTA Games through Demetrie Meyers’ in the 3,000 meters and Brooklyn Lyttle in the Under-17 girls’ long jump.
Meyers secured gold to add to his 1500m and 3000m gold medals from Nassau last year while Lyttle took bronze.