Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has committed financial and in-kind support to the Jamaica Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (JBSF), reaffirming the government’s belief in the programme and the global brand it has become.
Speaking at a cocktail reception held at the S Hotel in Kingston on Tuesday night, Minister Grange hailed the JBSF’s resilience, growth, and cultural significance since its historic debut at the Winter Olympics in Calgary in 1988 — a moment immortalised by the iconic film Cool Runnings.
“Jamaica is more than a destination. Jamaica is a brand. And beyond that, Jamaica is a spirit,” Grange said to an audience of athletes, officials, sponsors, and international partners. “Anywhere in the world you go and say ‘Jamaica’, they say ‘Bob Marley’. Then they say ‘Usain Bolt’. And then they say ‘bobsled’.”
Grange acknowledged receipt of a funding request from the Federation and, while stopping short of disclosing a specific figure, assured the organisation that support would be forthcoming.
“It’s a big request,” she said, addressing Federation President Chris Stokes directly. “Not too big, because you deserve what you asked for. I can’t say we can give you everything, but we are going to make sure we give you something. We are committed to that.”
The minister, whose portfolio also includes sport development and athlete welfare, encouraged the JBSF to reach out for additional support in kind, affirming, “As far as I’m concerned, as Minister, nothing is impossible.”
Grange praised the Federation for its “serious and deliberate commitment to excellence,” referencing its programmes aimed at maintaining a cultural connection for athletes abroad (Home Away from Home) and building awareness and engagement at the grassroots level through (Hometown Roots).
“These are not just catchy names,” she said. “They are meaningful programmes that deepen the bond between our diaspora, our communities, and our athletes. This is how we build resilience. This is how we build legacy. And this is how we build Jamaica.”
She also acknowledged the presence of several key stakeholders in attendance, including Jamaica Olympic Association Secretary General and CEO Ryan Foster, representatives from the Sports Development Foundation (SDF), and legendary sports administrator Mike Fennell, who was at the event but departed just before the minister delivered her address.
Reflecting on her own history with the bobsleigh movement, Grange said she had been involved “from the beginning” when the effort was more vision than reality.
“I was there when there was nothing,” she said. “Just a dream. And I’m happy I’m still here to see that dream solidly in front of the world.”
Grange also underscored the broader cultural and economic significance of Jamaica’s sporting legacy, noting that the country’s athletes — along with its music — are central to its identity and tourism appeal.
“There can be no party without music, and there can be no spirit without our athletes. I always say to tourism — treat us well. Because we are a special brand.”
The evening also included recognition of new and expanding partnerships with organisations such as the Montefiore Einstein Health System, the Korean Olympic Committee, and the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority — all supporting the Federation with access to training infrastructure and specialized medical care.
As Jamaica prepares for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Grange encouraged all Jamaicans to rally behind the bobsleigh team with the same passion shown for the Reggae Boyz, the Sunshine Girls, and the nation’s track and field icons.
“We are not preparing merely to participate,” she said. “As always, we are preparing to compete.”
-Andre Grange photos