Sprint legend and Pocket Rocket Foundation (PRF) founder Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce says the inaugural Student Athlete Development Summit is aimed at creating a vital space where young athletes can grow, learn from seasoned professionals, and leave with tools to become future leaders.
Set for Tuesday at the AC Hotel Kingston, the one-day summit will bring together student athletes from 20 high schools across Jamaica for an immersive experience of workshops, keynote sessions, and interactive discussions — all aimed at fostering development both on and off the field.
"Supporting young athletes goes far beyond training or scholarships; it’s about nurturing the whole person,” Fraser-Pryce said.
"This summit is our way of creating a space where student athletes can learn from professionals, gain new perspectives, and leave feeling empowered to become leaders in sport and in life," she added.
Held under the theme “Be Extraordinary”, the event will feature a keynote address from Sekou Clarke, a former national athlete and now a US-based attorney, along with presentations from experts in sports psychology, personal branding, injury prevention, and academic advancement.
The summit marks an expansion of the foundation’s mission to equip young athletes for success beyond their sport. Since its establishment in 2013, the foundation has awarded 93 academic scholarships to student athletes from over 31 high schools islandwide.
Executive Director Dr. Jermaine McCalpin says the summit is part of a larger commitment to nurturing not just athletic ability but also character, leadership, and life skills.
Attendees will include current PRF scholars as well as invited student athletes from across the country, representing a range of sporting disciplines. Attendance is by invitation only.
"This initiative reflects our commitment to developing student athletes into well-rounded individuals. We want them to know that their potential extends far beyond competition. They are future leaders, and this summit is designed to help them see that," Dr. McCalpin said.