Affiliates say JOA’s Coach Hiring Programme enabling success

KINGSTON:

Citing all-round gains, affiliate sporting bodies have credited the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) for making it easier to achieve their goals and development.

The JOA, local sports’ parent body, led executions by way of its Coach Hiring Programme for the Jamaica Judo Association with Luke Preston; National Gymnastics’ Federation with Nadeen Whyte; and the Jamaica Wrestling Federation with Kegan Calkins.

Only recently, their contributions enabled the success of the National Gymnastics Federation’s biggest project yet, the inaugural staging of the Carifta Gymnastics Championships from November 29 to December 1 at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston.

The help provided was not lost on Nicole Grant, president of National Gymnastics.

“The National Gymnastics Federation extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Jamaica Olympic Association for its unwavering support and commitment to the advancement of gymnastics in Jamaica. Over the years, the JOA has played a pivotal role in our growth as an association, enabling us to make significant strides in developing the sport at all levels,” she said.

Alongside Jamaica, which fielded a 73-member team, gymnasts from Bermuda, Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados and The Bahamas participated in the championships that acts as a springboard to the region’s talented youngsters.

Given the wide range of costs involved, Grant highlighted the significance of sports’ apex body’s contribution, as well as the assistance it provides widely.

“They have been generous in assisting us with equipment acquisition to enable us to host international events such as the Pan-Am Youth Tournament and the recently held Carifta Gymnastics Championships,” she said.

“Without the invaluable assistance from the JOA, hosting international events and expanding our grassroots programmes would have remained a distant dream. Their partnership with organisations like Mayberry Investments and Supreme Ventures has been instrumental in providing the necessary funding that fuels our progress,” she said, relating to the sponsorship of the other companies.

‘Sport for All’

National Gymnastics’ Grant also referenced the JOA’s ‘Sport for All’ philosophy in highlighting their contribution, sharing that “their commitment to the development of ‘minor’ sports is commendable”.

Preston also highlighted that investment from the association aided Jamaican athletes in securing landmark achievements internationally.

“‘I would like to hugely thank the Jamaica Olympic Association for all the support they have given me in the run-up to the Paris Olympic Games. This has enabled me to coach the Jamaican judo team on the IJF (International Judo Federation) World Tour and at Pan-Am Championships, World Championships and Olympic Games,” he said.

“During this period, our Jamaican judoka have made history. Firstly with Max Stewart winning the first-ever Pan-Am medal in judo in Jamaica’s history. Ashley McKenzie made history three times - the first Jamaican judoka to reach the final block on the IJF World Tour, the first to ever win a Continental Open gold medal and, lastly, the first to reach the round of 16 at the Olympic Games,” Preston continued.

“I am very grateful that, through the support of the JOA, I could be there with these judoka to share their special moments.”

As a way of improving the capacity of national sporting associations and the way how they manage their affairs, the JOA also provides expert advice and training programmes to its affiliates. Grant says these have yielded tremendous benefits.

“We have greatly benefited from the educational programmes they have extended to us. These initiatives have significantly enhanced our administrative competences, allowing us to operate more effectively and efficiently. Moreover, the coaching development opportunities provided through the Coach Hiring Programme and various courses have empowered our coaches to deliver high-quality training to our athletes. This investment in human resources is crucial for the sustainable growth of gymnastics in Jamaica,” she opined.

“Our athletes have also reaped the rewards of the Olympic Solidarity Scholarships, a testament to the JOA’s vision to nurture and develop sports talent in Jamaica. These scholarships have provided our athletes with opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible, fostering their growth both on and off the mat,” she said.