National Athletics Champs gets Sagicor boost

Title sponsor of the Jamaica Teachers Association (JTA)/Sagicor National Athletics championship, Sagicor, has increased its sponsorship of the event by $4 million, raising its contribution from $12 to $16 million.

The increase was announced by Sagicor's chief revenue officer, Mark Chisholm, yesterday at a launch at the JTA headquarters.

"A partnership like this does not last long if there are not shared values and shared purpose of Sagicor, the JTA, and the children who run at this track meet. 

"Sagicor's business is built on young people. Our focus is looking at education and the value of the children," Chisholm told the gathering.

"Sagicor Foundation would like to announce, because we remain deeply committed to supporting the journey this year, we are proud to contribute $16 million for the staging of the championship.

"This investment goes far beyond sport. It's an investment in opportunity, education, and confidence of what a future Jamaica should look like with our children and future athletes. These children are the future," he said.

Sagicor will also fund a five-year secondary scholarship for the champion boy and girl of the meet.

"We believe in excellence as children should be nurtured on the track and in the classroom," he added.

JTA president Mark Malabver praised the financial institution for its commitment and loyalty to the partnership.

"You have been a loyal partner to the championship over the years. This partnership goes far back, from the days of Blue Cross. When they merged, they continued sponsorship nonetheless, and we thank them for being so loyal to us."

He noted that the championship is a major stepping stone for most young Jamaican athletes and that this is where it starts for most.

"This championship provides a platform for our students. Most times you see our athletes at Boys and Girls’ Champs, but what many don't know is most of them came up through this championship.

"We celebrate our athletes on the international stage when they do well, but many do not understand or acknowledge the type of work that goes into becoming those international athletes, and this is where it all begins —  at the grass roots — and we have to continue to nurture," he commented.

Meanwhile, patron of this year's staging, Jamaica and Holland High School sprint sensation Shonoya Douglas disclosed that she didn't get the opportunity to participate in the championship but pointed to the enormous benefits of track and field and encouraged young athletes to strive for the highest.

"Children always aim for the sky. The sky is not the limit, but aim big because you can never go wrong.

"I didn't get the opportunity like how you are all getting. So you are getting the opportunity. Make use of it. 

"Track and field has really saved me. In track and field, you have to be disciplined and mentally strong. Track and field is a great opportunity. It can do so much for you, but you have to be mentally strong to do the sport," she stated.

The championship will take place over two days, June 26-27, at the National Stadium.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com