Express Canteen Services has deepened its commitment to youth development by becoming the title sponsor of the 20th Mona Preparatory School Invitational Track Meet on May 31 at Jamaica College's Ashenheim Stadium, underscoring its longstanding dedication to sports as a tool for national progress and youth empowerment.
The partnership between Express Canteen and Mona Prep marks a significant milestone in the school’s athletic calendar and comes at a time when Mona Prep is celebrating its 60th anniversary. Express Canteen, which has served as the school's canteen concessionaire since 2018, has consistently supported sports development across several institutions, but this latest collaboration cements its role not just as a food service provider, but as an integral part of the school’s community and growth agenda.
“Through this partnership, Express Canteen Services believes we will continue to have a significant impact on the numerous boys and girls that will participate in this competition,” said Ryan Foster, CEO of Express Canteen. “Our partnership with Mona Prep will ensure the continued development of the values of fair play and sportsmanship in our students.”
The invitational is expected to serve as a key preparatory event for young athletes gearing up for the upcoming Jamaica Independent Schools Association (JISA) Prep Champs. Organizers believe the meet has the potential to unearth the next generation of Jamaican athletic stars, referencing past icons like Usain Bolt, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Asafa Powell, and Jaheel Hyde, who began their journey at grassroots events such as these.
Express Canteen’s commitment to sports is not new. Over the years, the company has invested significantly in school sports programmes at institutions such as Hydel High, Immaculate Conception, Convent of Mercy Academy, Sts. Peter and Paul, and Lannaman’s Prep. Their support goes beyond finances, with a strong belief in the transformative power of sport to shape lives and communities.
“We see ourselves as not just a concessionaire in schools, but as a nutritional partner that wants to be part of the school community and play our part in how we shape the lives of our young boys and girls for the future,” Foster added. “Giving back through the avenue of sport augurs well for the furtherance of nation growth and development.”
Foster also praised Mona Prep for its initiative and courage in hosting the meet, which he said will not only give athletes a competitive platform but also allow coaches to assess their athletes’ readiness ahead of JISA Prep Champs.
“We salute the Mona Prep community, and we are extremely proud of their bravery to host and execute such a meet of this quality to ensure that all our students have an avenue to showcase not only their talents but also their progress,” said Foster. “To all the participating schools—let the games begin.”