The Jamaica Observer has lent its editorial voice to the call for greater investment in Jamaica’s sporting infrastructure, applauding Jamaica Olympic Association President Christopher Samuda for his persistent advocacy on the issue.

The editorial points to Samuda’s long-standing argument that modern, well-managed facilities are essential not just for elite performance, but for grassroots development and the commercialisation of sport as an industry. It notes that his vision goes beyond government funding, calling for public-private partnerships, bilateral agreements, and strategic grant funding to build a sustainable network of sporting facilities across the island.

The Observer also highlights the Jamaica Paralympic Association’s plans for a high-performance indoor multi-sport complex — supported by the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean — as a potential model for broader investment, capable of serving both Paralympic and Olympic development across a wide range of disciplines.

SOURCE: The Jamaica Observer

Jamaica Olympic Association President Christopher Samuda has praised the country’s athletes at the 23rd Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, saluting their sacrifices and the Olympic values they continue to embody.

Jamaica had claimed 12 medals — five gold, two silver and five bronze — up to Friday, with the senior women’s netball team also through to the semi-finals. Swimmer Sabrina Lyn qualified for two individual finals and was part of the 4x100m mixed medley relay team that broke the national record twice.

Samuda lauded the athletes’ resilience, fortitude and determination, adding that placing athletes at the centre of planning and execution is key to sustained success.

“Athlete centricity is imperative to any successful strategy of sport development — not only because it enables the progression of talent to regional and international stages, but in enabling the self-actualisation of citizens of a sporting fraternity,” he said.

“Citizenship in sport must be a focal strategy of sports development as we pursue infrastructural development and the financial viability of a sector.”

SOURCE: The Jamaica Observer

Team Jamaica made its mark at the recently concluded GAPS Camp held in Glasgow by Commonwealth Sport for para-athletes across the Commonwealth participating in the Games.

Jamaica has had the distinction of hosting editions of the GAPS Camp in Kingston, bringing together para-athletes and coaches from across the Caribbean. Theory and practical training sessions are key features of the camp, as participants enjoy the friendship and unity that sport promotes.

The JPA Team has arrived in Glasgow and will be attending a GAPS Camp before moving into the village where members will stay and await competition for Jahmarley. Sports Manager, Sgt. Gladstone Sealy reports that all is well and so far arrangements have been seamless.

En Route to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games are Manager, Sgt. Gladstone Sealy, JPA Sports Manager, Neville Sinclair and athlete Jahmarley Richards.

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) continues to support the global para movement with a limited introduction of some disciplines at the games.

Jahmarley, the Bogota 2023 Youth Para Panamerican silver medallist in the Men’s U20 T45-47 100m, will compete in that class, and it will be his first appearance at the Games.

Jahmarley said, “I am looking forward to representing my country and the JPA and am focused on doing well. This is my first Commonwealth Games, and I want it to be memorable.”