Sagicor Life Jamaica is once again supporting the development of youth through sport with its title sponsorship of the JTA National Athletics Championships (Fraser-Pryce urges young athletes to believe in themselves video below). The event slated for Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17 at the National Stadium will see St Andrew defending its 2013 parish title as other parishes set to combat in the meet’s 52 events.
At the press launch for the 31st staging of the National Athletics Champs, held on Wednesday, April 30, 2014 at the Jamaica Teachers’ Association headquarters in Downtown Kingston, Sagicor announced $4.5 million sponsorship for this year’s event. In addition to the sponsorship, Sagicor will provide two five-year academic scholarships at the secondary school level to the Champion Boy and Champion Girl of the meet, a tradition which has been upheld for over 4 years now.
Ingrid Card, Assistant Vice President of Group Marketing at Sagicor Jamaica says, “It is remarkable to watch the growth of our athletes from JTA/Sagicor Champs through to Boys and Girls Champs and then on to international meets such as the Olympics. Sagicor is proud to be a part of such a vital aspect of youth development.”
In preparation for the meet, athletes ranging from ages 6 through17 from schools within each parish have participated in inter-parish/divisional meets. The top athletes for each meet were then selected to represent their individual parishes. A parish coordinator is then assigned to these athletes, who guides them through training and team building exercises.
Ena Barclay, Liaison Officer at the JTA has remarked, “The continued support from Sagicor is commendable, as they not only offer financial assistance but are real partners through their team members.” While day one remains free, day two of the Championships (Saturday) will attract a minimal charge of $100 for children and $200 for adults.
Spectators can anticipate a spectacular performance from 2012 parish champion, Portland as they set to defeat 2013 parish winner St Andrew for the 2014 title.
