What happens to young athletes after Champs?
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THE EDITOR, Madam:
As the curtain closes on another exciting staging of the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Championships, many of us are still celebrating the incredible performances, school pride, and unforgettable moments produced by Jamaica’s young athletes. For a few days, the nation stood still to cheer on our boys and girls as they pushed beyond limits and carried the hopes of their schools and communities.
Yet, after the cheers fade and the medals are put away, an important question remains: what happens to these young people afterwards?
Each year, we celebrate champions on the track, but too many promising athletes and students quietly disappear from the spotlight. Some struggle financially, some lose motivation, some fall victim to negative influences, and others simply lack the guidance and support needed to transition successfully into adulthood.
The championships should not only be about discovering talent, but also about sustaining relationships with these boys and girls long after the event has ended. Coaches, schools, alumni, corporate Jamaica, and communities all have a role to play in mentoring, encouraging, and helping them navigate life beyond Champs.
Many of these athletes have already demonstrated extraordinary discipline, sacrifice, and determination at a young age. Imagine what more they could achieve if they continued to feel seen, supported, and connected after the stadium lights go out.
We must not only celebrate our children when they are winning medals; we must also walk beside them when the applause fades. A simple call, mentorship programme, scholarship opportunity, counselling support, or career guidance initiative can make the difference between a young person fulfilling their potential and becoming another forgotten statistic.
The ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Championships remain one of Jamaica’s greatest national treasures. Let it also be a reminder that our responsibility to these young people does not end at the finish line.
Dr Gail Hudson, JP