Racing United FC, the newly promoted team to the Jamaica Premier League (JPL), is gearing up for their inaugural season in Jamaica's top-flight football competition. With the 2024 JPL season set to kick off on September 15, the team is working tirelessly to ensure they are ready to compete at the highest level, despite facing significant financial challenges.

Managed by Nigel Walker and coached by Anthony Patrick, Racing United has been in training since early July, focusing on getting their squad in peak condition ahead of the season opener. "The season is starting early this year on September 15, and we are pushing for full readiness. I can say right now we are at about 80 per cent readiness," Walker told Sportsmax.TV as he reflected on the team's commitment to being fully prepared.

Racing United secured their spot in the JPL by defeating Westmoreland-based  Reno FC 2-1 on aggregate in the promotion playoffs, marking a significant achievement for the club. However, the transition from amateur to professional football has brought with it the need for greater financial resources. Walker highlighted that while the team is prepared on the field, securing the necessary funding for a more demanding and extended season remains a pressing concern.

"Our biggest challenge so far has been financial, as we are no longer an amateur team. Now in the premier league, it requires financial resources, and with this season being longer with three rounds, we need more support," Walker explained. The club is currently in discussions with potential sponsors, and Walker is optimistic about finalizing these talks soon.

To strengthen their squad, Racing United has been active in the transfer market, bringing in 10 new players with Premier League experience. Although the names of these players have not been officially released, as final details are still being worked out, Walker emphasized the importance of these signings. He credited Coach Patrick for his role in selecting players who will bring valuable experience and skill to the team.

Renowned Jamaican coach Glen Mills, who has spent more than five decades shaping some of the world’s fastest sprinters, has been lauded by French track and field coach Yann Edu for the impactful athletic coaching seminar he conducted in Nanterre, France, shortly after the conclusion of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Mills, 74, is a legendary figure in the world of athletics, having guided numerous athletes to global success. Among his most notable accomplishments is coaching Usain Bolt to three consecutive Olympic golds in the 100m and 200m at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the 2012 London Olympics, and the 2016 Rio Olympics. Under Mills’ tutelage, Bolt also set world records in both events at the 2009 Berlin World Championships—records that still stand 15 years later.

In addition to Bolt, Mills has also coached other elite sprinters, including Yohan Blake, who became the second-fastest man in history with times of 9.69 seconds in the 100m and 19.26 seconds in the 200m, and Kim Collins of St. Kitts and Nevis, who won gold in the 100m at the 2003 World Championships in Paris.

The seminar in Nanterre, which took place on August 12, was part of the first initiatives under the official City Twinning agreement between Nanterre, France, and Spanish Town, Jamaica. This agreement, signed on the margins of the Paris Olympics, aims to foster cultural and athletic exchange between the two cities. The signing was officiated by Mayor of Spanish Town, Councillor Norman Scott, and his counterpart in Nanterre, Raphael Adam, during a ceremony coinciding with Jamaica Day celebrations in Nanterre.

Yann Edu, a track and field coach based in Nanterre, expressed his deep appreciation for the seminar, highlighting the invaluable insights he gained from Mills' vast experience. "It was very nice to see coach Mills. I benefited from his experience, and nobody runs faster than his athletes, so obviously it was a big opportunity for us to meet him and to learn from him," Edu said during an interview conducted by officials from Jamaica's Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport (MCGES).

The seminar provided French coaches and athletes with a rare opportunity to learn from one of the greatest minds in track and field coaching. Mills shared his expertise on training methodologies, athlete management, and the nuances of sprinting techniques that have led his athletes to extraordinary success on the world stage.

Mills' influence on the sport of athletics is undeniable. He holds the distinction of coaching both the fastest and second-fastest men in history—Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake, respectively. His ability to develop athletes to reach their maximum potential has made him a revered figure in the sport, not only in Jamaica but globally.

Reggae Girlz forward and captain Khadija "Bunny" Shaw continues to make history, adding the prestigious Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Women's Player of the Year award to her growing list of accolades. Shaw’s remarkable season with Manchester City Women saw her leading her team to a second-place finish in the Women's Super League, narrowly missing out on the title to Chelsea on goal difference.

Shaw’s performance throughout the season was nothing short of spectacular. She ended the campaign as the league's top scorer, netting 21 goals, including three hat-tricks, and providing three assists. This impressive tally not only made her the leading scorer but also marked a personal best, surpassing her total from the previous season by one goal.

After receiving the award, Shaw reflected on her journey and the significance of the honor. "I am both happy and proud to have received this award — to be recognized in such a way by my peers is a very special honour," Shaw said. "I also want to thank my teammates and the entire coaching staff because without them this would not be possible. I’d also like to congratulate all my fellow nominees who are such amazing players. To have been voted the player of the year means a lot."

The 27-year-old Shaw's journey to the top has been a testament to her hard work, determination, and unyielding belief in her dreams. Speaking with the BBC, she shared, "For me, it's been quite an interesting journey to where I am now, but from a young girl growing up, I always had a dream, and that dream was to be the best that I could be. Every day I try to do that not just on the field but off the field and to see if I can inspire young girls, not just in Jamaica but the Caribbean, to show that 'okay, if I can do it, it's definitely possible for you. You just have to believe in your dream.'"

Despite her success, Shaw is not content to rest on her laurels. She is already looking ahead to next season, determined to push her game to even greater heights. "I think for me, it's about keep having fun, embracing my journey, and pushing my levels even higher because when I look back at this season, there are a lot of goals I should have scored," she said. "But for me, it's just embracing the journey and keep working hard for the team, keep pushing my levels, and you never know where I will end at the end of the season."

Shaw’s impact goes beyond her on-field achievements. As the first Jamaican woman to win the PFA Women’s Player of the Year award, she continues to be a beacon of inspiration for young athletes, particularly in the Caribbean.

In addition to the PFA award on Tuesday, Shaw had previously been named the Women’s Super League Player of the Year for the 2023-24 season and Player of the Year at the Women’s Football Awards, further cementing her status as one of the top players in the world.

Jamaica’s young Reggae Boyz and Bermuda extended their unbeaten runs in their respective Tiers of the 2024 Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Boys’ U-14 Challenge Series on Monday.

The Jamaicans, through goals from Davion Clarke (28th) and Corlando Morris (37th), blanked host Trinidad and Tobago 2-0 in a crucial Tier I Group A clash at Dwight Yorke Stadium.

It was the third win on the trot for the young Reggae Boyz, who sit atop the group on a maximum nine points, three ahead of Trinidad and Tobago (six points), while St. Kitts and Aruba are on one point each in the development tournament, which sees games played over 70 minutes.

The young Reggae Boyz dominated proceedings from the off as they bossed possession and were more threatening in open play. They inevitably broke the deadlock when a Kyle Hussey pass found Clarke, who drove past Christian Tefler in goal for Trinidad and Tobago.

Bermuda versus St. Lucia.

Though they continued to create chances, the Jamaicans had to wait until the 37^th to add to their tally as Morris capitalized on a defensive error and slotted home early on the resumption.
Trinidad and Tobago’s first real opportunity came in the 61^st minute when Lucas Shaw's long-range cross forced Jamaica's Marcodean Spence into a save. Still, Jamaica continued to dominate and should have won by a wider margin but failed to make the most of their chances.

With 10 goals to their tally so far, the Jamaicans, who have yet to concede, will be aiming to keep their perfect record intact heading into the next round, when they face Aruba in the final group game on Tuesday at 5:30pm Jamaica time at the same venue. Trinidad and Tobago will face St. Kitts and Nevis.

Guyana versus St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Meanwhile, Bermuda completed their Tier II Group C play with a 1-0 win over St. Lucia at the Ato Boldon Stadium.

The win, a fourth for the Bermudans in as many games, puts them atop the group on 12 points.

It was a game of many chances, the best of which fell to Bermuda as they applied consistent pressure to their St. Lucian counterparts but couldn’t beat the glove of goalkeeper Brial Nelson for most of the way.

Bermuda eventually found the go-ahead goal in the 63^rd through captain Z-ani Jennings, who dismissed two defenders to make space for a delightful strike from about 25 yards out.

Having completed all of their group stage matches, Bermuda awaits their opponents in Friday’s semi-finals. St. Lucia play their final group match against Grenada on Tuesday.

Monday’s Results

Tier I Group A

Jamaica 2, Trinidad and Tobago 0

St Kitts and Nevis 2, Aruba 2

Tier I Group B

St. Martin 0, French Guiana 5

Puerto Rico 0, Curaçao 0

Tier II Group A

St. Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Guyana 1

Antigua & Barbuda 3, Cayman Islands 3

Tier II Group B

British Virgin Islands 3, US Virgin Islands 1 

Dominica 0, Anguilla 0

Tier II Group C

Bermuda 1, St Lucia 0

Grenada 1, St. Maarten 1

The Jamaica Table Tennis Association (JTTA) has announced that twin brothers Malone and Shacoil Bird will represent Jamaica at the 2024 Pan Am U-11 and U-13 Table Tennis Championships. The young athletes will compete in the Boy’s Teams, Boy’s Doubles, and Boy’s Singles events, bringing their exceptional talent to the prestigious tournament set to take place from August 19-25 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Accompanying the talented duo will be their coach, Orvill Young, and Delegate/Manager, Dale Parham. The team is scheduled to depart Jamaica on Sunday, August 18, 2024, and return on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. JTTA President Ingrid Graham will also join the team on August 22 to meet with Pan Am Table Tennis President Juan Vila to discuss matters concerning the sport's future. Her accommodation is being graciously provided by the Dominican Republic Table Tennis Federation.

The Bird brothers earned their spot in the Pan Am Championships thanks to their outstanding performances in the boy’s under-11 category at the 2024 CRTTF Mini and Pre-cadet Championships. Malone Bird captured gold in the Singles event, while the duo clinched gold in the Doubles event and secured third place in the Teams event, proving their prowess on the regional stage.

"We are confident that they will give a good account of themselves, their country and by extension, the Caribbean," said JTTA President Ingrid Graham.

The JTTA expressed gratitude to the sponsors and donors who played a crucial role in facilitating the team’s participation in the upcoming championships. These include the Sports Development Foundation (SDF), Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA), Western Sports Limited, G.R.O.W.T.H Foundation, and Friends of Table Tennis.

As the Bird brothers prepare to showcase their skills on the international stage, the JTTA is confident that they will represent Jamaica and the Caribbean with pride and excellence. The association, along with their supporters, eagerly anticipates their performances and wishes them success in their pursuit of glory at the 2024 Pan Am U-11 and U-13 Table Tennis Championships.

Alana Reid, fresh from her Olympic Games debut in Paris recently, and Wolmer’s Boys’ Gary Card headline Jamaica’s team to the World Under 20 Championships, as standout triple jumper Jaydon Hibbert is among notable absentees.

Hibbert, 19, the World under-20 record-holder and defending triple jump champion, pulled out of the championship due to an injury sustained at the Paris Olympic Games, where he placed fourth.

United States-born Skyler Franklin, the winner of the under-20 girls’ 400m at the national championships and fifth-fastest in the world at this level with a best of 51.01 seconds, will also miss the championship as her paperwork to officially represent Jamaica is yet to be finalised.

Still, the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) has pooled together a talented 43-member squad, which should give a good account at the August 27-31 Championship in Lima, Peru.

Reid, who placed third in the 200m in Cali, Colombia, two years ago, was a member of the women’s 4x100m team, which finished fifth in Paris. She will contest the 100m in Peru, an event in which she is the under-20 world leader with her season’s best of 11.09 seconds.

Meanwhile, Card will be the highest-ranked Jamaican male at the meet, where his best of 20.50s puts him at number three in the 200m. He is fourth in the 100m with his season’s and personal best of 10.07.

Jamaica’s athletes will be targeting an improved medal haul from two years ago, when they captured a record 16 medals, the best-ever haul at these championships.

Team: Girls -Abigail Campbell, Abrina Wright, Alana Reid, Alliah Baker, Anecia Campbell, Briana Campbell, Deschanique Douglas, Habiba Harris, Jade Ann Dawkins, Jaeda Robinson, Kellyann Carr, Kerrica Hill, Nejhada Seymore, Natassia Fletcher, Rohana Sudlow, Sabrina Dockery, Shanaye Morris, Shanniqua Williams, Shanique Williams, Theiana-Lee Terrelonge

Boys -Chad Hendricks, Chavez Penn, Daniel Beckford, Daniel Wright, Deandre Daley, Demarco Bennett, Gary Card, Jabari Matheson, Jace Witter, Javaughn Pinnock, Junior Gallimore, Kemarrio Bygrave, Kyle Richards, Marcinho Rose, Nyrone Wade, Omary Robinson, Richard Hall, Romario Hines, Shadane Smith, Shaquan Dunn, Trevoy Smith.

The Jamaica Table Tennis Association (JTTA) is sounding the alarm for financial support as it strives to restore the sport to its former glory. Spearheaded by JTTA President Ingrid Graham, the association is seeking additional sponsorship to sustain its vital initiatives, particularly the recently concluded summer camp aimed at nurturing the next generation of Jamaican table tennis talent.

In collaboration with Skills Unlimited Table Tennis Academy (SUTTA), Taylor Hall, and Chancellor Hall, the JTTA hosted a summer camp from July 15 to August 14 at the University of the West Indies (UWI) in Mona. This camp, which brought together both junior and senior athletes for intensive training, has been hailed as a success. However, despite the camp's achievements, financial challenges loom large, threatening the future of this critical program.

Graham emphasized the urgent need for additional funding, noting that while the camp was a paid program, more than half of the over 30 participants were unable to contribute financially. This shortfall has placed a significant burden on the JTTA, jeopardizing the sustainability of the camp and other similar initiatives.

This year's camp received backing from several organizations and individuals, including Taylor Hall, Chancellor Hall, JTTA, SUTTA, the Sports Development Foundation Jamaica, Western Sports, Optical Solutions International Limited, Graham International Consulting and Research INC, past players, and the families of junior athletes. Their contributions ranged from providing meals and tokens for participants to offering free use of facilities.

Jide Lewis, the father of national players Gianna and Tsenaye Lewis, underscored the camp's importance in laying a firm foundation for Jamaica's future athletes. He emphasized the need for more sponsors to ensure that the athletes receive adequate training at home before competing overseas, adding that he intends to send his children back next year.

Despite the support garnered this year, Graham highlighted the need for additional sponsorship to ensure the camp's continuity and growth. The JTTA hopes to make the summer camp an annual event, with even more participants in the coming years.

Waterhouse Football Club is pleased to announce the transfer of Revaldo Mitchell to Macedonian club FK Rabotnicki AD - Skopje for an undisclosed fee.

Revaldo Mitchell, a talented midfielder known for his exceptional skills and dedication on the field, has been a pivotal player for Waterhouse FC. Since joining the club, Mitchell has demonstrated remarkable growth and has been instrumental in our recent successes.

Waterhouse FC President, Donovan White, expressed his gratitude towards Mitchell for his contributions to the team. "Revaldo has been an outstanding player for Waterhouse FC, and while we are sad to see him go, we are also incredibly proud of his achievements and excited for his future. This transfer is a testament to his hard work and dedication."

Revaldo Mitchell shared his excitement about the move, stating, "I am grateful for my time at Waterhouse FC and the support I have received from the fans, teammates, and coaching staff. I am looking forward to this new chapter with FK Rabotnicki AD - Skopje and am eager to contribute to my new team."

This transfer marks a significant milestone for Waterhouse FC, highlighting the club's commitment to developing talent and providing opportunities for players to progress in their careers. We are confident that Revaldo will continue to excel and make a significant impact in Macedonia.

We wish Revaldo Mitchell all the best in his future endeavours and thank him for his invaluable contributions to Waterhouse FC.

The 2024 Paris Olympics marked a historic moment for the English-speaking Caribbean, with athletes from the region delivering extraordinary performances that etched their names into Olympic history. This edition of the Games was particularly significant for several Caribbean nations, as they celebrated groundbreaking victories and shattered longstanding records, further solidifying the region's presence on the global stage.

St Lucia experienced a moment of immense national pride, as the island nation secured its first-ever Olympic medals in spectacular fashion. Julien Alfred became a household name after she clinched gold in the women’s 100m, blazing across the finish line in a remarkable 10.72 seconds, breaking her own national record and earning St Lucia its first Olympic gold. Alfred’s incredible speed nearly led her to a double triumph, but she settled for silver in the women’s 200m, clocking a commendable 22.08 seconds. These achievements not only catapulted Alfred into the spotlight but also marked a historic milestone for St Lucia, a small island nation now basking in the glory of its Olympic success.

Dominica also had its first taste of Olympic victory, thanks to the outstanding performance of Thea LaFond. Competing in the women’s triple jump, LaFond delivered a stunning leap of 15.02m, breaking the national record and securing Dominica’s first-ever Olympic gold medal. LaFond’s triumph in Paris resonated deeply within the nation, bringing joy and pride to Dominicans worldwide.

Grenada, a nation with a rich Olympic history, added to its growing medal tally with two more bronze medals. Anderson Peters, a seasoned javelin thrower, once again demonstrated his prowess by securing bronze in the men’s javelin throw with an impressive distance of 88.54m. Lindon Victor further bolstered Grenada’s standing with a hard-fought bronze in the men’s decathlon, excelling across 10 grueling events to earn his place on the podium.

It was the first time that the Spice Island had won multiple medals at the same Olympic Games. These achievements continued Grenada’s tradition of Olympic success, adding new chapters to the island’s storied athletic history.

Jamaica, a nation synonymous with sprinting dominance, experienced a shift in its Olympic narrative at the 2024 Games, with the majority of its six medals coming from field events. Roje Stona led the charge, breaking the Olympic record in the men’s discus throw with a colossal throw of 70.00m, securing Jamaica’s first and only gold medal of the Games. Wayne Pinnock contributed to the island’s medal haul with a silver in the men’s long jump, leaping an impressive 8.36m. Rajindra Campbell added to the field event success with a bronze in the men’s shot put, delivering a powerful throw of 22.15m.

Shanieka Ricketts also created history when she won the silver medal in the triple jump, securing Jamaica’s first ever medal in the field at an Olympic Games.

In addition to their field event successes, Jamaica’s sprinters also made their mark. Kishane Thompson, a rising star in the sprinting world, claimed silver in the men’s 100m with a blistering time of 9.79 seconds, a result determined by a photo finish that showcased the razor-thin margins of victory at the highest level.

 Rasheed Broadbell added to Jamaica’s sprinting legacy by earning a bronze in the 110m hurdles, clocking a season-best 13.09 seconds in another photo finish that highlighted the intense competition in Paris.

The 2024 Paris Olympics will be remembered as a landmark event for the Caribbean, where athletes from St Lucia, Dominica, Grenada, and Jamaica not only created history but also underscored the region’s growing influence in global athletics. These remarkable performances brought immense pride to their nations and showcased the Caribbean’s burgeoning talent and determination on the world stage. As the athletes returned home, they carried with them not just medals, but also the hopes and dreams of their countries, inspiring future generations to strive for greatness.

Jamaica's Nickisha Pryce, who entered the 2024 Paris Olympic Games as one of the favourites for gold in the women’s 400m, has announced the end of her season following a heartbreaking finish in the semi-finals. The 2024 NCAA champion and national record holder, who had lowered Jamaica's 400m record to an astonishing 48.57 seconds last month, was widely expected to contend for the top spot in Paris. However, according to impeccable sources close to the athlete, Pryce was struck by a stomach virus just before the semi-finals, which derailed her Olympic dreams.

Despite her best efforts, Pryce could only manage a fourth-place finish in her semi-final heat, clocking a disappointing 50.77 seconds—well off her personal best. Reflecting on her season and the abrupt end to her Olympic journey, Pryce shared on Instagram, “The end of my season may not have been what I had hoped for, but I trust that God knows best.”

The virus had a lasting impact, leaving her unable to recover in time to compete in Friday's 4x400m relay, prompting her to make the difficult decision to end her season early. “Despite the disappointment of not achieving the desired outcome, I believe that there is a reason for everything and that God has a plan for me,” Pryce wrote, expressing her faith and resilience.

While missing out on the Olympic final was a significant setback, Pryce's 2024 season remains one for the history books. She claimed the NCAA title with a record-breaking 48.89 seconds and anchored her Razorback 4x400m relay team to a remarkable 3:21.93, setting another record. Throughout the season, Pryce consistently pushed the limits, running lifetime bests on four occasions, with her crowning achievement coming at the London Diamond League on July 20, where she set the national record of 48.57 seconds, her fifth lifetime best.

Looking ahead, Pryce remains optimistic about the future. “I’ll use this as a stepping stone towards something greater and that there are valuable lessons to be learned from this experience. Even though it may be difficult to accept at the moment, I am grateful for the opportunity to grow,” she reflected, signaling her determination to return stronger next season.

As she wraps up an extraordinary year, Pryce expressed her gratitude to those who have supported her. “With that being said, I’m utmost grateful for everything I’ve achieved this season. Next year will be even better by God’s will. Thank you to all my supporters who ride with me along my journey."

For the first time since the 2008 in Beijing, Jamaica has failed to medal in the Women’s 4x100m at an Olympic Games.

Jamaica’s quartet of Alana Reid, Kemba Nelson, Shashalee Forbes and Tia Clayton produced a season’s best 42.29 fifth in the final at the Paris Olympics at the Stade de France on Friday.

The American quartet of Melissa Jefferson, TeeTee Terry, Gabby Thomas and Sha’Carri Richardson combined to run 41.78 for gold ahead of Great Britain (Dina Asher-Smith, Imani Lansiquot, Amy Hunt) who ran 41.85.

Germany ran 41.97 in third while France were fourth in 42.23.

Following an electrifying 400m final at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games on Wednesday, Great Britain's Matthew Hudson-Smith made a powerful and emotional statement as he celebrated his silver medal win. Hudson-Smith, who clocked a lifetime best and set a new European record with a time of 43.44 seconds, proudly waved both the British and Jamaican flags above his head, paying tribute to his roots in a moment of triumph.

The race was one for the history books, with the first five finishers all breaking the 44-second barrier in what has become one of the fastest 400m races ever. The gold medal was claimed by the USA’s Quincy Hall, who edged out Hudson-Smith with a lifetime best of 43.40 seconds. Muzala Samukonga of Zimbabwe secured the bronze with a national record of 43.74 seconds, just ahead of Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards, who also set a national record and personal best of 43.78 seconds. Kirani James of Grenada, the 2012 Olympic champion, finished fifth in 43.87 seconds, underscoring the extraordinary quality of the race.

In the aftermath of his remarkable achievement, Hudson-Smith took to social media to explain the significance of the Jamaican flag in his celebration. The gesture, he revealed, was a heartfelt tribute to his Jamaican heritage and, in particular, to his grandmothers, both of whom are Jamaican.

“I haven’t seen both my grandmothers who are Jamaican in a while, so I held the Jamaican flag as an ‘I love you’ to them. They are my biggest supporters, along with my mum who was born in Jamaica. I just wanted to represent my family,” Hudson-Smith shared.

The 29-year-old sprinter’s homage to his Jamaican roots resonated deeply with his fans and family alike, as he further added, “I hope they picked up on the gesture so when I get back to the UK, I can get some more oxtail.”

Hudson-Smith’s victory and his subsequent tribute to his heritage highlight the profound connection many athletes feel to their cultural backgrounds, even as they compete on the world’s biggest stage. His silver medal win not only cements his place as one of Europe’s finest sprinters but also as a proud ambassador of his rich Jamaican lineage.

Lamport Stadium in Toronto is to again host a senior men’s rugby league international for ranking points, when Canada face Jamaica on Saturday 19 October 2024. It is part of a reciprocal agreement between the nations which will see the Wolverines travel to the Caribbean island next year.

 Jamaica are building up for their appearance as the Americas representative in the inaugural 2025 World Series, as they attempt to qualify for a second successive men’s World Cup to be held in Australia in 2026.

 “Playing annual internationals is crucial to engaging our playing community, sponsors and fans,” said Jamaica RLA director of rugby, Romeo Monteith. “We won't improve as a nation unless we have regular games. It is a priority for us to play Canada and the USA in men and women fixtures annually.”

 Montieth added: “It's always tough playing on the road, we have to contend with visa issues, time off work for players and of course the costs. However, the challenges make those games even more special. We have never won away versus Canada and so we expect another tough assignment.

 “Roy Calvert and I are open to selecting players from all competitions, however, the majority of the squad is expected to be from the Island. I think both squads will be highly motivated to perform and this should make it another entertaining game for the fans.”

 Canada men’s head coach, Aaron Zimmerle, noted: “We look forward to welcoming Jamaica to Toronto. Apart from meeting at the Americas Championship, geography makes playing regularly difficult for both nations. The dual game agreement allows our ever-improving Wolverines to plan for more challenges which is just what we need and want.”

 CRLA chair, John Cameron, added: “We’re excited to enter into this home and away series with Jamaica, where our women already were welcomed with such warm hospitality last autumn. We hope to share the same spirit of friendship with the Jamaica men as they visit the heart of rugby league in eastern Canada.”

Day 8 of Track and Field at the 2024 Paris Olympics was a day of mixed emotions for Caribbean athletes, highlighted by a standout performance from Jamaica's women in the 4x100m relay. As the morning session unfolded, the Jamaican quartet delivered a strong run to secure their place in the finals, a beacon of hope on an otherwise challenging day for the region.

The Jamaican team, comprised of Alana Reid, Kemba Nelson, Shashalee Forbes, and Tia Clayton finished third in their heat with a season-best time of 42.35 seconds, which placed them sixth overall and earned them a coveted spot in the finals.

In stark contrast, Trinidad and Tobago’s women’s relay team faced disappointment. Despite their best efforts, they finished eighth in their heat with a time of 43.99 seconds, which was not enough to advance to the finals. The team, consisting of Akilah Lewis, Sole Frederick, Sanaa Frederick, and Leah Bertrand, gave it their all but ultimately fell short.

The men’s 4x100m relay saw similar heartbreak for Jamaica. The team, made up of Ackeem Blake, Jelani Walker, Jehlani Gordon, and Kishane Thompson, ran a season-best time of 38.45 seconds but finished fourth in their heat and 11th overall, failing to make it to the finals. It was a bitter pill to swallow as they had high hopes for a strong finish.

Elsewhere, the Caribbean faced tough outcomes in other events.

In the women's shot put, Jamaica's Danniel Thomas-Dodd and Lloydricia Cameron, along with Trinidad & Tobago's Portious Warren, did not advance past the qualification round. Thomas-Dodd threw 18.12m, Cameron achieved a season-best of 18.02m, and Warren managed 17.22m. Their efforts were valiant but fell short of the 19.15m qualification standard, ending their Olympic journeys in this event.

The women's 100m hurdles also saw Caribbean athletes falling short. Emelia Chatfield of Haiti and Denisha Cartwright of the Bahamas competed fiercely but did not make it past the repechage round. Chatfield finished sixth in her heat with a time of 13.24 seconds, while Cartwright was seventh, clocking 13.45 seconds. Despite their strong performances, they were unable to advance to the semifinals.

In the men's 800m, St Vincent and the Grenadines' Handal Roban, Jamaica’s Navasky Anderson, and Dominica’s Dennick Luke all faced similar fates in the repechage round. Roban finished fourth with a time of 1:45.80, Anderson fifth in his heat with 1:46.01, and Luke set a national record of 1:46.81 but finished sixth in his heat. None of these times were sufficient to move on to the semifinals, marking the end of their Olympic campaigns in this event.

The 36th Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championship (CAJGC) teed off in vibrant fashion on Tuesday evening with a colourful opening ceremony at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston. Hosted by the Jamaica Golf Association (JGA), the event welcomed teams from eight countries to compete in the prestigious tournament.

This year’s championship sees participation from teams representing the Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Trinidad & Tobago, and host Jamaica. The opening ceremony set an enthusiastic tone for the competition, which had been rescheduled from July due to the passing of Hurricane Beryl.

Jodi Munn-Barrow, president of the JGA, extended a warm welcome to all teams and expressed confidence in a successful tournament. "Everything is in place for a very good championship," Munn-Barrow stated, emphasizing the meticulous preparations made despite the earlier postponement.

Eduardo Figueroa, coach of defending champions Puerto Rico, expressed high expectations for his team, indicating their strong preparation and determination to retain the title.

Alison Reid, manager of the Jamaican team, acknowledged some logistical challenges resulting from the rescheduling but remained optimistic. "Some persons who planned to compete when it was scheduled for July are no longer available, and the team will have fewer numbers than previously committed," Reid said. "However, the team will still put on a good show."

Jamaica’s coaching duo, Jonathan Newnhan and Jason Lopez, also shared their confidence in the team’s potential. Newnhan highlighted the team’s thorough preparation, while Lopez pointed out the advantage of competing on the Caymanas Golf Course, where the team has been practicing extensively.

The Jamaican team features talented players including team captain Mattea Issa, Trey Williams, Aman Dhiman, and Ryan Lue, all competing in the Under-18 category. Players will also compete in the Under-15 and Under-13 categories for both boys and girls.

Peter Levey of the major sponsor British Caribbean Insurance Company (BCIC) expressed his company’s delight in supporting the event. "We are very happy to be on board for this year’s staging of the CAJGC as it represents a very good opportunity to support the development of youth sport," Levey remarked.

The championship boasts a wide array of sponsors including Restaurants of Jamaica (KFC), Sandals Foundation, WATA, CMK, Jamaica Pegasus, Fleetwood Jamaica Limited, R&A, Island Car Rentals & Tours, Digicel Business, Titlest, and several others, demonstrating strong community and corporate backing for the event.

The competition tees off on Wednesday at 8:00 am with the first of three rounds of 18 holes each, concluding on Friday. The closing ceremony will follow the final round, celebrating the achievements of the young golfers.