A $250 million dollars investment plan for the next Olympic cycle has been unveiled by the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA).
The plan which was announced on Saturday as the JOA celebrated the achievements of Jamaica’s medallists from the 2024 Paris Olympic Games at the Terra Nova Hotel in Kingston, will be targeting key areas critical to athlete development.
The funding will support scholarships and grants for 12 athletes aiming to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, amounting to JMD$80 million over the quadrennial.
These funds will cover training, attendance at qualifying events, transportation, nutritional support, and access to advanced technology.
An additional JMD$50 million will be invested in an equipment grant, ensuring athletes have the tools they need to train and compete effectively.
Coaching scholarships, amounting to $50 million, will bolster the expertise of national and elite coaches, fostering the development of athletes at all levels.
A travel grant of JMD$70 million will ensure that athletes can participate in crucial Olympic qualifying events without financial barriers.
"It is all about kindling the aspirations of our sportsmen and women on the field of play, so that may become change makers, MVPs of the game, aspire to be GOATs of the sport and for generations to declare them pre-eminent legends and legators," JOA President Christopher Samuda.
Meanwhile, Olympic gold medalist Roje Stona was rewarded with the biggest chunk of financial payouts as the JOA staged its Olympic salute on the weekend.
The event that celebrated the achievements of Jamaica's medalists from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, saw Stona being awarded JMD$3 million for his remarkable achievement of winning gold in the men's discus event in an Olympic record.
Silver medalists Kishane Thompson, Wayne Pinnock and Shanieka Ricketts received JMD$1.5 million each.
Bronze medalists Rajindra Campbell and Rasheed Broadbell were each rewarded with JMD$1 million.
Additionally, Jaydon Hibbert who was fourth in the men's triple jump, was adjudged the Olympic spirit award winner - He was recognized for his outstanding sportsmanship and was rewarded with JMD$500,000.
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