The Jamaica Basketball Association (JABA) on Sunday launched a bold new GoFundMe campaign aimed at transforming grassroots basketball development across the island. The announcement was made during a special meet and greet hosted by S Hotel Kingston, which also welcomed NBA twins Amen and Ausar Thompson to the country as they began the process of acquiring Jamaican citizenship.
The fundraising effort—now live under the title "Basketball Jamaica" on GoFundMe—seeks to raise funds to improve basketball infrastructure, provide gear and mentorship, and expand access to coaching and scholarship opportunities for young Jamaican players.
S Hotel Kingston immediately backed the initiative with a US$1000 donation, while expressing ongoing support for the programme's long-term development.
"You might not think of basketball when you think of Jamaica," said Paulton Gordon, President of JABA. "But in our inner cities, young dreamers are dribbling their way toward something powerful. Right now, kids with raw talent and big dreams show up on cracked courts with rusted rims and worn sneakers—sometimes no equipment at all—and they train hard. They train without gear, without safe spaces, and without proper guidance."
Gordon underscored the deeper social significance of sport, saying, "They are not chasing fame. They are chasing a chance—to escape the cycle of poverty, to get an education, to travel, to believe in themselves. For them, basketball is more than just a sport. It's a lifeline. It's a chance to rewrite their story."
He continued: “The Jamaica Basketball Association believes that Jamaica has the potential to become a powerhouse in basketball. But talent alone isn’t enough. We must invest in our grassroots programmes. We must show these young men and women that we believe in them—and that we’re willing to give back.”
The campaign outlines a range of key areas where funds will be directed: purchasing proper gear and equipment, hosting training clinics and camps, rehabilitating community courts, supporting after-school and mentorship initiatives, and creating scholarship and exposure opportunities.
“This isn’t just charity,” Gordon added. “It’s an investment in potential—for every kid who picks up a ball and dares to dream. We call them a shot at something bigger. Help us build the foundation. Help us give these kids the shot they deserve.”
The announcement drew immediate support from S Hotel Kingston, which hosted the event and made the first official contribution.
“As soon as we heard support was needed, we jumped on board—starting with hosting this meet and greet,” said Danielle Shaw, Assistant General Manager of S Hotel Kingston. “We’re proud to stand alongside the Bob Marley Foundation, whose ongoing commitment to youth and community development continues to uplift and inspire. It’s an honour to support Basketball Jamaica as they push forward this vision.”
Shaw added that S Hotel is in talks to continue its support both financially and through in-kind contributions. “Today’s donation is a small one, but it represents a much bigger commitment. We’re proud to be part of a movement that builds a brighter future for Jamaica.”
The presence of NBA players Amen and Ausar Thompson—who have Jamaican heritage and are actively pursuing citizenship—served as a powerful symbol of what is possible with the right support systems in place.
“Their presence is a reminder,” Shaw said, “that incredible things happen when we invest in our young people.”
The Basketball Jamaica GoFundMe campaign is now live at GoFundMe.com. Supporters can search for "Basketball Jamaica" to donate and help reshape the future of the sport across the island.