Digicel gives Jago 4x100m team $150,000 grant
DIGICEL has given six members of St Jago High School’s Class Three Girls’ 4x100m relay team that won at the Issa/gracekennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Championships (Champs) last weekend a tuition grant of $150,000.
Digicel, Champ’s exclusive communications partner, says the funds will go towards existing tuition gaps these student-athletes face.
“The funds form part of Digicel’s long-standing dedication to nurturing young talent in athletics, better known as its ‘Grassroots to Greatness’ project,” it said.
Chief Marketing Officer Tari Lovell said, during the handover at the National Stadium on Saturday, that the grant reaffirms Digicel’s commitment.
“Digicel is deeply committed to supporting our student-athletes on the track, field, and in the classroom,” he said. “We recognise the importance for our athletes to maintain a beneficial balance between education and sports, and we’re always looking for ways to support them in this regard.”
St Jago’s team, consisting of Rihanna Anderson, Adora Campbell, Shannia Campbell, and Trecia-ann Grant, in the preliminary round, showcased their speed and skill amid smooth baton changes along the National Stadium track. They were the only team in the class timed at below 47 seconds, clocking 46.35s.
Anderson and Campbell were replaced by Shavone Williams and Martina Parkes who helped to deliver a spectacular win at the final.
“As a brand that was born in Jamaica, we understand how important it is for us to throw our support behind the world’s biggest high school athletics championships,” Lovell said. “It’s an opportunity for us to celebrate more of what’s good about Jamaica, and to promote the value of teamwork, resilience, and discipline among our young people.”
Lovell says he beamed with pride as he recalled the prowess of sprint legends and Digicel brand ambassadors, Shelly-ann Fraser-pryce and Usain Bolt, also started out at Champs and have since led impressive track careers, while representing Jamaica at the international level.
Champs highlights Jamaica’s talented student-athletes who continue to deliver thrilling performances that captivate audiences worldwide. Digicel says its overall sponsorship, in addition to its support for selected events, continue to help Jamaica’s athletes with chasing their dreams on and off the track and field.