Grace Foods, a subsidiary of the GraceKennedy Group, delivered an enhanced Athletes Village experience at the 2026 staging of the Inter-Secondary School Boys and Girls Championships (ISSA Champs), reinforcing its longstanding commitment to youth development, sports, and national pride.

Anchored in its ‘Good Move’ agenda, the initiative provided a dedicated space for recovery, nutrition, relaxation, and engagement, accessible to athletes from all participating schools over the five-day event.

“Grace has been a consistent supporter of athlete development in Jamaica, and our nearly two decades of sponsorship of Champs reflect that ongoing commitment,” said Ingrid Medwinter, brand manager, Grace Foods and Services. “For many of Jamaica’s great athletes, Champs has been the foundation of their journey, and we are proud to play a role in strengthening that legacy.”

Designed as a central hub for restoration and connection, the Grace Athletes Village played a critical role in supporting athletes beyond competition.

With the intensity of Champs spanning multiple days, the need for a balanced environment that allows athletes to recharge physically and mentally is essential to sustaining peak performance.

By offering this space, Grace Foods ensured that athletes had the opportunity to reset, refuel, and return to competition at their best.

“The response to the Athletes Village has been extremely encouraging,” said Shannon Grant, promotions and events coordinator at Grace Kitchens. “We’ve seen firsthand how both athletes and coaches have benefited from having a space like this to recharge in between events. It has provided a sense of comfort and support during a very demanding week, and we are proud to have created an environment that truly adds value to their Champs experience.”

The village featured a recovery and hydration station, Grace Kitchen’s Café, a Mighty Malt booth, tea station, and a gaming and lounge area, all curated to support both physical recovery and mental relaxation.

Athletes were provided with protein-rich meals from Grace, including Grace sardines, corned beef, and tuna, designed to sustain energy levels and aid muscle recovery, while trained physiotherapists offered massages and kinesiologic taping throughout the week.

Throughout the event, the Village also served as a point of inspiration, with Grace athlete ambassadors Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Hansle Parchment engaging with students and offering encouragement, further enriching the overall experience.

Parchment underscored the importance of initiatives like the Athletes Village during a visit on Wednesday (March 25), drawing from his own experience as a professional athlete.

“At a competition like Champs, where athletes are competing over multiple days, recovery becomes just as important as performance,” said Parchment. “Having a space where you can properly refuel, rest, and mentally reset can make a significant difference. It’s not just about what happens on the track, but how you prepare in between events. Grace’s Athletes Village creates that balance, giving athletes the support they need to stay focused and perform at their highest level.”

By opening the Athletes Village to all participating schools, Grace Foods ensured equitable access to critical recovery and wellness resources, reaffirming its role in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for Jamaica’s young athletes.

Through this initiative, Grace continues to play its part in strengthening the foundation of Jamaican athletics – empowering the next generation of champions to thrive both on and off the track.