The Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) and the Jamaica Softball Association (JSA) have partnered aiming to bolster grassroots development, revive high school competitions, and build a pathway for Olympic qualification at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
According to local media, JOA has granted JSA equipment worth $1 million, including batting gloves, helmets, balls, bats, and fielders’ masks. An additional $1.5 million has been allocated to support the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) softball league, set to resume next year.
The JOA’s secretary general/CEO, Ryan Foster, emphasised the association’s commitment to non-traditional sports. “The Jamaica Olympic Association, through this administration, is strongly in support of non-traditional sports, and through our Equipment Grant policy, we’ve extended it to softball and many other non-traditional sporting associations,” Foster noted. “We believe this equipment will not just kickstart softball in Jamaica, but we also want to encourage and ensure we provide other avenues for our athletes, particularly young athletes, to participate in a multifaceted approach to sport. Sport is not just for us; it’s not just for football, track and field and netball - it’s for everyone.”
JSA president Marvalyn Campbell praised the JOA’s support as transformative. “Without the JOA, this would never have been possible. Thanks, is such a small word for such a large effort on the part of the JOA, the secondary schools league is being revived and schools, we’re here for you,” Campbell remarked.
A total of 12 high schools have confirmed their participation in the league, with others expected to join. The JOA’s member relations manager, Novelette Harris, will work closely with the JSA to ensure the programme’s success.
“We'll be working very closely with the association to ensure that the equipment is not only placed to good use, but that we will be unearthing new talents in the sport to ensure that we have an Olympic squad for LA 2028 … where we will be looking at these athletes to grow them leading into 2028,” said Foster.
