Message from GraceKennedy Group CEO, Don Wehby

WE CAN always look to sports to lift the spirit of an entire nation. That is true across the world, and particularly right here in Jamaica.

Statistically, the odds that this little dot on the worldwide map called Jamaica would produce athletes that have dominated at the very highest and most coveted levels of track and field globally, are very slim. But as you know, the indomitable spirit of Jamaicans tells us that we can do and be anything we want to, if we put our minds to it, and work towards it.

Last year, I saw proof of this in the world-class, superior, record-breaking performances here. The athletic performances we will see over this, the 109th staging of the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletic Championships will no doubt be equally, if not more, exciting. The athletes have trained hard and are ready - mind, body and soul - to give of their best, making their family, friends and their schools proud.

We, in turn, are proud of them – win, lose or draw. We know that this is but a step in what will become very successful careers on the world stage for many of them, and so this is their opportunity not only to learn how to win gracefully but to also be gracious in defeat.

This year, GraceKennedy’s theme is Excellence Through Great People, I congratulate all the great people, at ISSA who continue to stage this world-class event, and the great athletes we will see over the duration of this event. We encourage them to continue to make excellence their hallmark, not only on the track and on the field, but also in their educational pursuits.

GraceKennedy commits to the continued support of this outstanding event. It is an investment in our young people, our schools and our country.

May the 2019 staging of Champs be an exciting, injury-free event, where good sportsmanship prevails. My very best to all the participants!