Retired Jamaican sprint legend and two-time Olympic gold medallist Veronica Campbell-Brown returned to her alma mater, Vere Technical High School, last Saturday (July 26), to host the second staging of her community-centred health fair.

Running from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, the event included free health services, wellness education and interactive activities designed to uplift both students and residents of the surrounding communities.

The fair, organised through the Veronica Campbell-Brown Foundation, offered a range of free health checks including BMI, cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, vision testing, ear examination, HIV and syphilis screening. Licensed medical professionals were also on-site to administer tests and provide advice.

The day’s programme featured expert-led talks on nutrition, mental health and overall wellness as well as fitness demonstrations to encourage active lifestyles. The event catered to students, parents and community members, creating what Campbell-Brown describes as a space focused on “total well-being, body, mind and spirit.”

Speaking on the motivation behind the initiative, Campbell-Brown said: “I know first-hand how important good health is to achieving dreams. This fair is my way of giving back, as I want to encourage everyone to make their health a priority. It is not only about athletics; it is about living a long and fulfilling life.”

Reflecting on the success of last year’s fair, she added: “Last year’s event was heartening because of how many people came out, asked questions and took advantage of the services offered. We hope to build on that momentum this year and reach even more people.”

The health fair is part of Campbell-Brown’s broader mission to support youth and community development through the Veronica Campbell-Brown Foundation.

“The foundation is committed to supporting the health, wellness and education of students and families. We believe that access to these resources is essential for personal growth and long-term success. Through initiatives like this, we are investing in stronger, healthier communities and helping the next generation thrive in the classroom, in life and beyond,” she said.