As participating athletes in the recently concluded ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Championships return to the classroom, six of them who were part of the winning Girls Class 3 4×100-metre relay team have received a $150,000tuition boost, courtesy of the event’s exclusive communications partner, Digicel.
The funds, which will go toward closing any existing tuition gaps, forms part of Digicel’s longstanding dedication to nurturing young talent in athletics, better known as its “Grassroots to Greatness” project.
Making the official handover to the team on Saturday at the National Stadium, Tari Lovell, Digicel’s Chief Marketing Officer, reaffirmed the digital operator’s commitment: “Digicel isdeeply committed to supporting our student-athletes on the track, field, and in the classroom. We recognise the importance for our athletes to maintain a beneficial balance between education and sports, and we’re always looking for ways to support them in this regard.”
In the preliminary round of the Girls’ Class 3 4×100-metre relays, St. Jago’s team, consisting of Rihanna Anderson, Adora Campbell, Shannia Campbell, and Trecia-Ann Grant, showcased their speed and skill amidst smooth baton changes along the National Stadiumtrack. They were the only team in the class to have secured a time below 47 seconds, clocking an impressive 46.35 seconds. Anderson and Campbell were replaced by Shavone Williams and Martina Parkes who helped to deliver a spectacular win at the final.
Lovell remarked, “As a brand that was born in Jamaica, we understand how important it is for us to throw our support behind the world’s biggest high school athletics championship. It’s an opportunity for us to celebrate more of what’s good about Jamaica, and to promote the valueof teamwork, resilience, and discipline among our young people.”
Lovell beamed with pride as he recalled the prowess of sprint legends and Digicel brand ambassadors, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, and Usain Bolt, also started out at Champs and have since led impressive track careers, while flying Jamaica’s flag high on the world stage. Theirinspirational success stories continue to propel Digicel to support Jamaica’s next generation of champions in the sport.
The ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Championships highlight Jamaica’s talented student-athletes who continue to deliver thrilling performances that captivate audiences worldwide. Digicel’s overall sponsorship in addition to the digital operator’s support for selected events, continue to help Jamaica’s athletes with chasing their dreams on and off the track and field.
