The Ministry of Education has developed a policy framework for the transfer of student athletes between schools. This is aimed at stamping out the unethical practice of some high schools recruiting students primarily for sporting activities, without due consideration for their academic development. The framework was developed in association with the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA). In a statement to...

The stands at the Leila Robinson Netball Courts at the National Arena have been expanded and improved to provide more comfortable seating for spectators. The work, undertaken by the Sports Development Foundation (SDF) at a cost of $13 million, forms part of a $36 million project to upgrade the overall facility, located at Independence Park Complex. Last year, a state-of-the-art...

The Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) has indicated plans to introduce anti-doping to students via the school curriculum, as it places emphasis on preventative education as part of its focus areas. Executive Director of JADCO, Carey Brown, said “the idea is to train [junior athletes] early, so that instead of them wanting to try a prohibited substance or method, they will...

Executive Director of the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO), Carey Brown, has indicated that the agency is well to its way to introducing blood testing by the end of the 2014/15 fiscal year. He made the announcement at a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’ today (January 30) at the agency’s head office in Kingston. “We are targeting before the end...

The Government has embarked on the development and strengthening of appropriate structures and framework that will protect athletes and provide a level playing field in the world of competition. This was noted by Minister with Responsibility for Sports, Hon. Natalie Neita Headley, at the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) symposium, held at the Jamaica Conference Centre, on January 29. The symposium...

General Manager of the Sports Development Foundation (SDF), Denzil Wilks, says all is on track for the completion of Phase One of the High School Sport Infrastructure Improvement Project (HSSIIP). The project was implemented to upgrade and improve sport infrastructure in various high schools across the country. Approximately $10 million has been allocated to assist each school. During an interview...

The Government is to undertake development of an additional sports field at Holmwood Technical High School, in Christiana, Manchester, at a cost of $10 million. Minister with Responsibility for Sport. Hon. Natalie Neita Headley, who made the announcement during a visit to the institution on January 16, said the Sports Development Foundation (SDF) will fund the facility’s development, to be...

Electrical work is to be undertaken on the swimming pool at the National Aquatic Centre in Kingston later this year. The work is expected to cost an estimated $45 million and will include rewiring of the pool. Speaking with JIS News, General Manager at the Sports Development Foundation (SDF), Denzil Wilks, said the electrical project will be done to sustain...

Prime Minister the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller has hailed Alia Atkinson, Olympian Swimmer and Nicholas ‘The Axeman’ Walters, WBA Featherweight World Champion, as outstanding Jamaicans who have brought great esteem to the country. At a cocktail reception held at Vale Royal on Wednesday, January 14 where Atkinson and Walters were guests of honour, Prime Minister Simpson Miller stated that...