JTA/Sagicor National Athletics Championship set for June 9 and 10
KINGSTON:
PRIMARY LEVEL student athletes will once again take over the National Stadium as they compete on June 9 and 10 at the 38th staging of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA)/Sagicor National Athletics Championship. The 2023 launch ceremony was held on May 18 at the Corporate Office of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association in Kingston.
The staple track and field meet known for showcasing the talent of young athletes will receive support valued at $8 million by title sponsors Sagicor Foundation. The Foundation will also be continuing its tradition of providing five-year secondary scholarships valued at $50,000 annually to the meet’s overall champion boy and girl.
POSITIVE IMPACT ON CHILDREN
During his delivery of the sponsor’s message at the launch event, Mark Chisholm, chief revenue officer, Sagicor Group Jamaica, identified sports as being one of the best ways to impact children in a positive way.
“The Sagicor Foundation operates with a view to positively impact the lives of children while leaving a legacy that will benefit generations to come, and this championship perfectly encapsulates that mission. Sports remains one of the best ways to teach our children critical life skills such as teamwork and discipline while sharpening their problem-solving skills and simultaneously promoting physical and neural development,” shared Chisholm.
Last year’s staging saw two-time defending champions St Andrew retain the coveted parish title with 272.5 points, the team’s 21st time lifting the championship trophy. In a close second place were St Thomas with 256, and three-time championship winners St Catherine were third on 194.
President of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association LaSonja Harrison shared that all stakeholders could expect the usual excitement and high level of competition.
“This is a significant time in our calendar of activities, and we at the JTA appreciate the collaboration that this meet brings to unearth new talents and give our youth a chance to step upon the stage of greatness. The JTA is again pleased to partner with corporate giants Sagicor in this the 38th staging of the JTA/ Sagicor Primary Athletics Championships. We are most grateful as an association to have and continue this tradition of showcasing the talents of our treasured children not otherwise afforded this opportunity. We want Jamaica to know that this is where it all begins. Any Jamaican track star you can think of, chances are, they began here,” shared Harrison.
Attendance to the meet is free to the public on both days.