Jamaican takeover at Puma House

With the Paris Olympic Games set to overlap with Jamaica’s Independence Day, the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA), in partnership with Puma, will host a two-day celebration to promote the island’s culture under the theme ‘Tun up de Vibes – Power in Paris’.

Speaking at the JOA Paris Olympic Games media launch on Thursday, Ryan Foster, JOA secretary-general and chief executive officer (CEO), said on August 6 and August 7, Puma House in Paris will undergo a Jamaican takeover to celebrate the national holiday.

“It will be an Olympic Games in Paris and an Independence Day in Jamaica to remember,” he said. “August 6 and 7 will be the destinations in Paris for all roads leading to the Puma House where food, music and our vibes will imprint values on the sporting landscape and leave lasting footprints.

“For those days, Jamaica’s culture in sports, music and food will be spotlighted and take pride in a glorious display of golden sporting champions.”

Christopher Samuda, JOA president, explained both days will be a major showcase of Jamaican culture in sports, food and music. He also said the celebrations will not only be for the Jamaican fans, but to introduce the global community to what it truly means to be Jamaican.

He described both days as being planned as a ‘music explosion’, with Jamaican talent on display at the Puma House under the branding ‘JAH-Lympic Roots, Reggae and Rocksteady’.

Jamaican cuisine will also be on display across the two days of celebration as guests will be treated to local food under the theme ‘Sweet-Spice, Sample Jamaica’.

He also said the event’s activities will be streamed for viewers who are unable to be in Paris during the celebration.

“The objective for the two days is to internationalise the sporting brand and assets of Jamaica while showcasing our culture in all its forms,” Samuda said. “Our hope is that the global citizenry will see and embrace this activation as part of a universal movement of sport for peace, friendships, respect and mutuality.”