The Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) has answered the call of Racers Track Club in a J$5 million spend under its “Olympic Invest” programme geared towards athlete and infrastructure development and events activation.
Under the programme, the JOA will assist Racers Track Club in treating post-event financial commitments but more significantly, the club will provide group training sessions to the JOA and the coaches and other professionals of member associations of the JOA on the use of the Dartfish video analysis platform. This platform allows coaches to conduct biomechanical, tactical and technical analysis of athletes and games, ensuring they have data to better develop the individual talents and teams at their disposal.
In lauding the move, President of Racers Track Club, the Hon. Glen Mills, stated: “We are grateful to the Jamaica Olympic Association for their continued support and the tangible commitment represented through this partnership. Their contribution goes directly towards rewarding and motivating some of Jamaica’s most promising and high-performing athletes. By investing in our talent at this level, the JOA is not only supporting individual careers but also playing a critical role in elevating the national athletics programme. This is the kind of strategic collaboration that builds a stronger foundation for Jamaica’s sporting future.”
JOA’s “Olympic Invest” is an activation of the apex national association designed to build capacity and enhance technical competencies and know-how across the spectrum of sports all of which will redound to the benefit of athletes. JOA President Christopher Samuda, commented that “you can’t build a sport industry without investing and re-investing in the athlete and tools of trade of which knowledge is a critical enabler.”
The JOA, through various initiatives including “Stamina”, “Olympic Salute”, its specially designed coaches’ and athletes’ scholarships and its equipment grants, continues to support the infrastructure of sport with strategic dollar investments. “It is in our DNA to give value and currency beyond the finish line where it matters,” Ryan Foster, JOA’s Secretary General and CEO said.
The governing body and the club will work jointly on a pension proposal for national athletes to complement the existing health and personal accident insurance plan that was launched in January 2016. This historic initiative will certainly be welcomed by all stakeholders.
Ryan Foster
Commenting on the collaboration, CEO of the Racers Grand Prix, Devon Blake said: “We deeply appreciate this three-year partnership between the Jamaica Olympic Association and the Racers Grand Prix. As we prepare for the Olympic Games and other global stages, this support ensures that athletes are not only recognised for their excellence but are also equipped with the tools and resources to grow. “
JOA will in 2028 – the Olympic year - also roll out, in collaboration with the club, its “Olympic Destiny” track and field series designed to get athletes competition-ready for the Los Angeles Games. Participating athletes in the series, who achieve the requisite qualifying times and distances, will have a direct path to the Racers Grand Prix.
A press conference, the details of which are below, will be held on July 10 starting at 11 am at the JOA Headquarters at Cunningham Avenue in Kingston.