Grange praises athletes for weekend of exceptional performances

THE MINISTER of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, Olivia Grange, has congratulated Jamaica’s athletes on a “weekend of exceptional performances”.

Grange said she was “very proud of Jamaica’s athletes at the NACAC (North Central American and Caribbean) Area Championships in the Bahamas, where they finished second in the medals tally” with 10 gold, seven silver, and eight bronze medals.

The minister said she was “particularly heartened by the performances in the field” where Jamaica won the men’s and women’s discus through Fedrick Dacres and Samantha Hall, respectively, with Chad Wright getting the bronze in the men’s event.

Jamaica also won the men’s long jump through Nikoali Williams, with Shawn-D Thompson getting the bronze.

Jamaica’s Shanieka Ricketts won the women’s triple jump.

Jamaica also took silver in the women’s hammer throw through Nayoka Clunis and bronze in the men’s javelin with Elvis Graham.

On the track, Jamaica won the 110 hurdles through Demario Prince, with Jaheim Stern getting the bronze. Amoi Brown won the 100-metre hurdles, Jonielle Smith won the women’s 100 metres, and Nickisha Pryce won the women’s 400 metres.

Grange also congratulated Kishane Thompson and Shericka Jackson, who won their respective 100 and 200-metre races, respectively, in the Diamond League series in Silesia.

The sports minister commended the Jamaica national junior team, which won 48 gold, 26 silver, and 27 bronze to top the medal table at the Goodwill Swimming Championships in Barbados. However, Jamaica finished second overall on the points tables.

“I’m very proud of the performance of the young swimmers. They told me they were going to do something spectacular, and this is their best performance at the Goodwill Championships. I know they will continue to do well.”

Grange also praised the Jamaica under-20 Lacrosse team, which defeated their hosts South Korea 17-7 in their first victory at the World Championships. Jamaica beat New Zealand 18-6 yesterday and next face Ireland in the competition’s play-in.

“Our sportsmen and sportswomen continue to do well and fly the flag high. They are a source of inspiration, and we must continue to give them our full support,” said Minister Grange.