By Anthony Henry

In a bid to transform the landscape of track and field in eastern Jamaica, the Paul Miles Foundation has intensified its support for under-resourced student athletes across the region.

Speaking with Our Today, founder Paul Miles outlined the foundation’s expanding vision to retain top talent in eastern high schools and provide critical resources that bridge the gap between athletics and academics.

For years, eastern Jamaica has been a breeding ground for elite athletes. Yet, many of these promising talents have been lured away to other regions, leaving a gap in the local development system. The Paul Miles Foundation is determined to change that narrative by focusing on nurturing and retaining homegrown talent.

“Our region has some of the best athletes in the country,” Miles said. “It’s time we invest in them right here where they live, learn, and dream.”

The foundation began its work with Maggotty High School in St Elizabeth and Port Antonio High School, Portland, which have since become model institutions for the initiative. These schools continue to receive support and are central to the foundation’s broader vision: to engage and enhance rural track and field talent, then use the discipline gained through sport to foster academic growth and life opportunities.

This year, Port Antonio High School made headlines by qualifying for the finals in nine events at the ISSA 2025 Boys and Girls Championships, an unprecedented achievement for a school from the Eastern region, which has long been viewed as underrepresented at Champs. The region’s rise is further driven by the introduction of new coaching staff, improved training facilities, and nutritional support systems.

The foundation’s reach continues to steadily grow. St Mary High School and St Mary Technical High School have recently been added to the list of supported institutions, with a focus on helping individual athletes who face financial hardship. Athletes who represented Jamaica at the Penn Relays and CARIFTA Games, including gold medalists, have benefited from donations of track and field gear and laptops, tools essential for balancing performance with academic success.

But according to Miles the mission goes beyond medals. “Winning championships is great, but what matters most is giving these kids a chance. For many of them, athletics is the only gateway to higher

education. That’s why we’re combining training support with academics, providing remote learning opportunities for athletes during travel and training seasons,” Miles shared.

As preparations are finalized for the upcoming track and field season, the foundation is committed to deepening its impact. Plans include online academic classes accessible to athletes during periods of extended training and competition ensuring that no student falls behind while chasing athletic dreams.

The foundation’s philosophy is clear: individual development first, not just national representation. Through strategic mentorship, resources, and access to education, the Paul Miles Foundation continues to create a pipeline of well-rounded student-athletes ready to excel on the track and beyond.

When asked how much money had been spent so far, Miles admitted he had never tallied the figures, stating, “I’ve never put a dollar sign beside it I can’t. You can’t put a price on the unlimited potential and raw talent we have in the east. It’s about giving these kids the chance they deserve.”