10 months ago
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GRACEKENNEDY (GK), THE title sponsor of the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships (Champs), has announced that its investment this year will exceed $185 million.
In addition to the approximately $104 million in cash sponsorship, the Group’s Grace Foods, Western Union, and First Global brands will also invest an additional $81 million into the local economy through their Champs executions.
Speaking at the Champs launch event last Wednesday at Stadium East, Group CEO of GraceKennedy, Frank James, said, “This substantial investment underscores our belief in the power of sports to transform lives and communities. It’s a strategic investment in the future of Jamaica, fostering athletics excellence and building a stronger nation through the values instilled in these young athletes.”
This year’s Champs carries special significance for GK, as the Group will take the opportunity to honour recently retired Group CEO Don Wehby at the event.
In recognition of his impact, GK is introducing the Don Wehby Sportsmanship Award. The award, valued at $250,000, celebrates the values of sportsmanship that the former CEO was very vocal about, and which is so integral to Champs.
It will be presented annually to the school of the most deserving male or female athlete, as determined in collaboration with ISSA.
To further celebrate Wehby’s impact on youth development, James also announced that the GraceKennedy Foundation will be awarding a new scholarship in his name. The scholarship, valued at $500,000, will be presented annually to a student who demonstrates strong academic performance and active participation in sports.
James said, “Don’s unwavering commitment to youth development, his passion for sports, and his firm belief in the transformative power of athletics competition has left an enduring legacy at GraceKennedy and within the wider Jamaican community. His dedication to excellence has not only shaped GraceKennedy’s success, but has also inspired countless young athletes to reach for their dreams.”
GraceKennedy’s 2025 investment will also feature a special award for any school whose athlete breaks a sprint hurdles record.
In celebration of the company’s 103rd anniversary and in recognition of Wehby’s achievements as a champion hurdler in the Class Three 100m hurdles, any student that sets a new record in the sprint hurdles will receive a prize of $103,000 for their school.
Champs will take place from March 25 to 29 at the National Stadium in Kingston.
English (US) ·