KINGSTON:

Champs' exclusive telecommunications partner, LIME, has launched an application for BlackBerry smartphones that will allow fans to access event schedules, results, updates and everything related to the event as it happens during this years' staging of the Inter-Secondary Schools' Sports Association (ISSA)/GraceKennedy Boys & Girls' Athletics Championships', scheduled for March 28-31.

According to Stephen Miller, LIME sponsorships manager, the 'App' will change the way that sports fans get information on the exciting annual Championships.

"We are infusing our technology to drive fan engagement through this 'App' that fans of Champs can get info on the latest action as it happens. This also provides the perfect opportunity for people in the diaspora to stay connected with Champs wherever they are in the world," Miller said.

"We see Champs as our own local Olympics and so, through ISSA and our technology engineers, we will be working to bring the games on par with some of the most prestigious meets in the world," he added.

"Jamaicans are hungry for information, especially when it comes to sports, and so as smartphones get more popular and accessible, we have seen an increase in the local demand for Jamaica - specific 'Apps'," says Damion Daley, CEO, Software Architects Limited.

"It was a good opportunity to work along with LIME on the development of the application that will allow spectators and sports fans anywhere in the world to stay informed and up to date with the happenings. Before, they were only able to get points update at specific intervals. Now they can get record-breaking moments and other race results as they happen," Daley pointed out.

Popular sports website www.trackalerts.com [2] will provide the instantaneous news feed to power the 'app'.

Other deal-sweeteners being spearheaded by the telecoms company includes the staging of a mega Fun Zone at the National Stadium, where students and spectators will have the opportunity to compete in a series of mini-sports competitions for prizes.

The app can be accessed free of cost by scanning a special QR code or visiting App World and searching for 'Boys and Girls Champs 2012'.