Campbell-Brown named ambassador for 40th JTA/Sagicor National Champs

THE JAMAICA Teachers’ Association (JTA), in partnership with title sponsor Sagicor Foundation, will, this year, host the 40th staging of the JTA/Sagicor National Athletics Championship with multi-Olympic and world champion Veronica Campbell-Brown as its patron.

Campbell-Brown said she was honoured to be the patron of the championships, set for June 20 and 21 at the National Stadium.

Her appointment was warmly received and seen as a powerful symbol of inspiration for the nation’s young athletes.

“I am truly honoured to serve as patron for the 40th staging of this prestigious event,” Campbell Brown said.

“As someone whose journey began on the school track and at this very meet, I know first-hand the power of sport to transform lives. I look forward to inspiring the next generation of Jamaican athletes to pursue greatness with passion and perseverance.”

The championship is known for being the starting ground for many Jamaican athletic stars, including the likes of Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.

Nicole Campbell-Robinson, vice-president of communication, digital media, and corporate social responsibility at Sagicor Group Jamaica, said the company’s support for the championship reflects a deep commitment to youth empowerment. In the last 10 years alone, Sagicor has invested more than $70 million.

“For four decades, the JTA/Sagicor National Athletics Championships stood as a symbol of our belief in youth development through sports. Sagicor has been proud to support this event that not only cultivates athletic talent, but also instils discipline, teamwork, and national pride in our future leaders.”

President of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association Dr Mark Smith emphasised the importance of the championship in helping provide a rounded experience for students.

“This meet has long been a cornerstone of the JTA’s mission to support the holistic development of our students. It is more than a sporting event. It is a platform that empowers young people from every corner of Jamaica to dream big, work hard, and shine.”

The launch reinforced the continued partnership between the JTA and Sagicor Foundation and their shared vision of building a stronger, healthier future for Jamaica through sport, education, and national pride. Last year’s parish title went to St Thomas, which ended the meet with 261 points. The top girls were Tori-Ann Townsend and Danique Bernard, both from St Andrew, and the top boys were Jaquan Smith from Kingston, Kahniel Walford from St Thomas, and Deandre Parker from St Andrew.