Teachers hailed for dedication to sports at JTA/Sagicor meet

As the JTA/Sagicor National Athletics Championships ended last weekend the teachers who coordinate sporting events at the school and parish levels were hailed as the true stars of another successful meet.

The Championships, which was founded 39 years ago by educators in the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA), has a rich history of being the birthplace of many track and field legends, including Usain Bolt, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Elaine Thompson Herah and rising stars Brianna Lyston and Tia and Tina Clayton, to name a few.

At the end of the two-day event, it was St Andrew that made it three title wins in a row with 272.5 points. In second place was St Thomas with 256. St Catherine placed third with 194.

St Elizabeth won a cash prize of $100,000 from Sagicor for having the most followers in the stands.

Alysia White, vice-president – Group Marketing, Sagicor Group Jamaica, reiterated that the Championships and its impact on Jamaican track and field culture would not have been possible without the dedication of all the teachers involved.

“When you look at the Championships and see these kids burning up the track, collecting their medals, and growing up to be superstars, just know that a teacher is behind the scenes making sure the nation’s future is being taken care of,” White said at the official opening ceremony of the two-day event.

She added, “There is a lot that goes into an event like this, and the teachers who act as parish coordinators do an excellent job in ensuring things run smoothly. Sagicor is proud to be associated with these nation-builders who put their all into the classroom while taking the time to participate in the Championships with the same vigour.”

PARISH ACTIVITIES

Parish coordinators are responsible for organising all parish activities related to the JTA/Sagicor National Athletics Championships, along with other JTA competitions. They also act as liaisons between their parishes and the JTA’s National Sports Committee.

Nickeisha Hudson-Bowers, parish coordinator for St Thomas and teacher at Dalvey Primary and Infant School, commented on the roles played by teachers at the Championships.

“It’s more than just logistics. A lot of the times, we also play the role of counsellors, because the kids need constant motivation and encouragement. A lot of them get nervous before a race because of the crowd, and so we help them prepare mentally as well. I love when students are involved in activities outside of academics, so my role as parish coordinator brings me much joy,” she shared.

Kemar Bailey, chairman, JTA National Sports Committee, further highlighted that the teachers/parish coordinators are the lifeblood of the Championships.

“They are the foundation; they did a lot of groundwork to get the students ready for the Championships. Without their hard work, dedication, and commitment to the cause and nation-building, the event could not be possible,” he said.