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• Friends For Real triumph in 2024 Pocket Rocket Foundation Six-A-Side Football Competition

  Friends For Real emerged as champions of the 2024 Pocket Rocket Foundation Six-A-Side Football Competition, defeating Medley Mixers 1-0 in a thrilling final at the Red Stripe Field on Sunday. The victory was sealed by Emeil Atkinson, whose decisive goal crowned the Olympic Gardens-based team champions in their first appearance at the tournament.

  The competition, organized by track and field legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s Pocket Rocket Foundation, saw spirited performances from all participants. Medley Mixers had secured their spot in the final with a commanding 3-0 win over Legacy, while Friends For Real edged out Legend 1-0 in a hard-fought semifinal clash.

  In the final, both teams battled intensely, but Atkinson’s clinical strike proved to be the difference, handing Friends For Real the championship trophy and a cash prize of JMD$300,000. Captain Wyan Nelson expressed his team’s joy and gratitude following their triumphant debut.

  “Words can’t describe how we feel as a team. It is our first time entering the competition, and to be unbeaten is a great feeling,” Nelson said. “Shelly-Ann is doing a great thing, and we look forward to entering next year again.”

  Medley Mixers, who gave a valiant effort in the final, received JMD$200,000 for their second-place finish, while Legend claimed third place with a 2-1 victory over Legacy in the playoff. Pelleco Shaw and Devontay Ricketts scored for Legend, who were awarded JMD$100,000 for their efforts.

  The tournament showcased not just the competitive spirit of the participating teams but also the community-building impact of the Pocket Rocket Foundation. The event continues to provide a platform for local talent and an opportunity for camaraderie among communities, all while supporting the charitable mission of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.

  With this victory, Friends For Real have set a high bar for next year’s competition, promising more excitement in what has become a highly anticipated annual event.

• Jamaica Classic Schools Gymnastics Championships set to showcase rising talent

  Following the successful staging of the Carifta Gymnastics Championships, the Jamaica Gymnastics Federation (JGF) is set to launch the highly anticipated Jamaica Classic Schools Championships tomorrow. The event will feature over 470 gymnasts from 40 schools across the island, a significant increase from last year’s participation of approximately 250 athletes.

  The championships, scheduled for December 7-11, 2024, will take place at the National Training Center on 1 Slipe Road in Kingston, running daily from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The competition promises to highlight the exceptional talent and dedication of Jamaica’s young gymnasts.

  This year’s event will also serve as a platform to select the best performers for an all-star school team, set to compete internationally in 2025 in Trinidad, the Dominican Republic, Bermuda, and Barbados.

  The competition will include routines on the bars, vault, and floor, giving athletes the chance to demonstrate their strength, skill, and artistry.

  "We are incredibly proud of the growth of this event and the increasing number of participants," said Nicole Grant, President of the Jamaica Gymnastics Federation. "The dedication of the athletes, coaches, and schools is truly inspiring, and we look forward to witnessing the remarkable performances that will unfold during the championships."

  Grant also emphasized the role of the event in elevating the sport locally and internationally. "This competition is about more than winning medals; it’s about fostering a love for gymnastics, building confidence, and inspiring the next generation of Jamaican athletes. With the support of families, schools, and communities, we are confident that Jamaica’s gymnasts will continue to shine on the regional and international stage."

   Fans and supporters are encouraged to attend the championships and cheer on the gymnasts as they compete for top honours and the chance to represent Jamaica on the international stage.

   

• JAGA president Nicole Grant hails success of inaugural Carifta Gymnastics Champs

  Jamaica Gymnastics Association (JAGA) president Nicole Grant continues to celebrate a monumental achievement following the success of the recently-concluded inaugural Carifta Artistic Gymnastics Championships.

  Grant praised the event for its outstanding execution, regional impact, and the brilliant performances of the athletes over two vibrant days of competition at the National Indoor Sports Centre.

  “I would rate the overall success of the Carifta Gymnastics Championships as outstanding. The fact that it was the first event of its kind in the region and that Jamaica successfully hosted it speaks volumes about the organization and teamwork involved,” Grant told SportsMax.TV.

  The competition featured some of the best gymnasts from seven Caribbean nations, including hosts Jamaica, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.

  In a commanding display, Trinidad and Tobago topped the medal standings with a remarkable 163 medals, including 80 gold, 57 silver, and 26 bronze. Jamaica followed in second place with 101 medals—26 gold, 32 silver, and 43 bronze—while the Bahamas secured third with 22 medals—four gold, seven silver, and 11 bronze.

  Meanwhile, Aruba took home 13 medals—five gold, one silver, and seven bronze—and Bermuda had eight medals.

  

  Members of Trinidad and Tobago's dominant team.

  Trinidad and Tobago dominated most of the levels governed by USA Gymnastics (USAG) rules and also performed credibly in the Pan American Gymnastics Union (PAGU) Hopes segment.

  Jamaica had notable successes, finishing strongly in several categories, particularly in Levels 8 and 9, where they either bested or closely competed with the Twin Island Republic.

  Grant highlighted the event’s significance in fostering regional camaraderie and advancing gymnastics in the Caribbean.

  “With participation from seven countries and positive feedback from the presidents of each, it clearly showcased the talent and spirit of gymnastics across the region. This event not only highlighted Jamaica’s ability to host such a significant competition but also fostered camaraderie and healthy competition among the participating nations,” she added.

  Reflecting on the performances, Grant-Brown was moved by the athletes’ dedication and the atmosphere they created.

  USAG Level 1 was topped by Trinidad and Tobago ahead of Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Bermuda. They also finished tops in Level 2 again, bettering Jamaica, Barbados, and the Bahamas, and in Level 3 ahead of the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Bermuda.

  The Twin Island Republic also reigned in Levels 4 and 5, bettering Jamaica in both, while Bermuda was third in Level 4.

  Barbados mined gold in Level 6, followed by the Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago, while the latter also secured Level 7 and Level 10. Jamaica won gold on bars in Level 7.

  Trinidad Tobago also topped Level 8 ahead of Jamaica, before Jamaica flipped the script in Level 9, with the Bahamas taking third. However, Jamaica stood in the FIG Senior category.

  In the PAGU Hopes category, Trinidad and Tobago bettered Jamaica in Level 1, it was the reverse in Level 2, while Jamaica had no competition in Level 3.

  

  Officials from the various teams share a photo opportunity.

  Aliyah Lawson, an Under-13 Level 8 representative; Milan Ennevor, who competed in Level 9 at the Under-18 category; Malkia Collins, an Under-11 Level 5 gymnast; and Karly Keoveunxay, who competes in the Under-13 Level 2 group in the PAGU category, were among Jamaica’s gold medallists. Mariah Gordon also won gold on bars in the PAGU Level 2 category and copped second place all-around.

  “Over the two days, what stood out the most was the remarkable performances of all the gymnasts. Their dedication and commitment to excellence truly warmed my heart, as they put their best efforts forward and showcased their skills. The enthusiasm and sportsmanship displayed by the athletes were inspiring and created a vibrant atmosphere throughout the event,” Grant beamed.

  For future hosts of the Championships, she emphasized the importance of early planning to not only build on but also to surpass the success of the inaugural staging.

  “My advice for the next host would be to start their planning as early as possible. Early preparation is key to securing sponsors and ensuring a smooth event. Building strong relationships with potential sponsors can provide the necessary support to enhance the event's quality,” Grant shared.

  “Additionally, they should focus on creating an engaging and inclusive environment for both participants and spectators, which can elevate the overall experience. Learning from the successes and challenges faced during this inaugural event will also be crucial in improving future championships,” she noted.

  The event was supported by key sponsors, including the Jamaica Olympic Association, Ministry of Sports, and several corporate entities such as Mayberry Investments, Supreme Ventures, Logostitich, The Peachtree Centre, AS James and Associates, Tourism Enhancement Fund, CL Environmental Ltd, Jamaica Red Cross, and Sign Xpress, ensuring a seamless and memorable debut.