Olympian Yona Knight-Wisdom To Launch Initiatives to Boost Diving in Jamaica

Written by Leighton Levy. Posted in Diving. | 02 July 2025 | 1526 Views
Tags: Dive with Yona

Three-time Olympian Yona Knight-Wisdom announced the imminent launch of two significant projects aimed at fostering the growth of diving within Jamaica. The initiatives include the "Dive with Yona" summer camp and a new fundraising event, "Let's Dive Right In - Live," designed to support the development of the sport. The announcement came during a conversation series hosted by Consult WJD.

"Dive with Yona" is a two-week dive camp open to all ages and skill levels, culminating in a final display and competition for participants. A primary goal of the camp is to serve as a proof of concept to encourage investment in the programme. Knight-Wisdom has confirmed that a qualified coach, Annastazia Chin, will continue to deliver diving after his departure, ensuring the sustained development of a structured diving programme.

A central pillar of the initiative is the push for the redevelopment of the National Aquatic Center, which has been neglected for decades. Knight-Wisdom has had positive discussions with the Ministry of Sport and has obtained a proposal from the renowned Olympic pool builders, Myrtha Pools, to upgrade the facility to international standards. He envisions a modernized facility attracting international competitions and training camps, thereby benefiting Jamaican athletes and coaches, and the local economy through sports tourism.

To contribute to these projects, Knight-Wisdom is introducing "Let's Dive Right In - Live," a keynote-style event where he will share his personal Olympic journey and detail his performance framework, "AIMS" (Ambition, Imagineering, Mindset, Self-belief). All proceeds from the event will be dedicated to supporting his sporting initiatives in Jamaica.

"I believe my diving program can serve as a proof of concept for developing niche sports through sustained effort and expertise," said Knight-Wisdom. He stressed the importance of expanding sporting opportunities in Jamaica beyond traditional sports like track and field, football, and cricket to provide more avenues for young people.

During the conversation sports administrator Walter-J Davis, and director of Consult WJD, highlighted the urgent need for greater corporate support for Jamaican athletes. "We need corporate Jamaica to invest in developing a broader range of sports to create a more well-rounded sporting nation," stated Davis, pointing to the shocking current news of athletes switching allegiance to other countries for financial gain.

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