Veronica Campbell Brown announced as meet ambassador

The Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA), in partnership with title sponsor Sagicor Foundation, hosted the official media launch for the 40th staging of the JTA/Sagicor National Athletics Championship on Thursday, 15 May 2025, at the JTA Headquarters in Kingston.

Over the four decades, the track and field meet has been a cornerstone of youth development in Jamaica, providing a platform for primary school athletes across the island to nurture their potential through sport. The launch event reflected on the Championship’s longstanding impact and unveiled plans for the 2025 staging. In the last decade alone, Sagicor has invested over J$70 million in this important meet.

During the launch, Olympian and World Champion Veronica Campbell Brown was announced as patron for this year’s staging, which is set for June 20 and 21 at the National Stadium. Her appointment was warmly received and seen as a powerful symbol of inspiration for the nation’s young athletes. “I am truly honoured to serve as patron for the 40th staging of this prestigious event,” Campbell Brown said. “As someone whose journey began on the school track and at this very meet, I know firsthand the power of sport to transform lives. I look forward to inspiring the next generation of Jamaican athletes to pursue greatness with passion and perseverance.”

The championship is known for being the starting ground for many Jamaican athletic stars, including the likes of Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.

Speaking on behalf of Sagicor Foundation, Nicole Campbell-Robinson, Vice President of Communication, Digital Media and Corporate Social Responsibility at Sagicor Group Jamaica, shared that the company’s support for the championship reflects a deep commitment to youth empowerment. “For four decades, the JTA/Sagicor National Athletics Championships stood as a symbol of our belief in youth development through sports. Sagicor has been proud to support this event that not only cultivates athletic talent, but also instils discipline, teamwork and national pride in our future leaders.”

President of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association, Dr Mark Smith, emphasised the importance of the championship in helping provide a rounded experience for students. “This meet has long been a cornerstone of the JTA’s mission to support the holistic development of our students. It is more than a sporting event, it is a platform that empowers young people from every corner of Jamaica to dream big, work hard, and shine.”

The launch reinforced the continued partnership between the JTA and Sagicor Foundation and their shared vision of building a stronger, healthier future for Jamaica through sport, education and national pride. Last year’s Parish Title went to St. Thomas, which ended the meet with 261 points. The top girls were Tori-Ann Townsend and Danique Bernard, both from St. Andrew, while the top boys were Jaquan Smith from Kingston, Kahniel Walford from St. Thomas and Deandre Parker from St. Andrew.