SDF to Provide Funding for Sports Associations, Infrastructure
By: , April 22, 2024
Photo: JIS File
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange (front, centre); is joined by Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Fayval Williams (third left); and Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke (right), in presenting a $2-million grant, provided through the Sports Development Foundation (SDF), to the Aquatic Sports Association of Jamaica at the Sport Ministry in New Kingston on March 20. General Manager of the SDF, Alan Beckford, is in the background, at centre. Sports associations will continue to benefit from support through the SDF in 2024/25.The Full Story
During the new financial year, the Sports Development Foundation (SDF) will continue to equip Jamaica with international standard sports infrastructure and provide funding to sports associations.
The Foundation plans to allocate funding towards the construction/renovation of eight multipurpose courts and other infrastructure projects in schools and communities, islandwide, including running tracks, football fields, clubhouses, cricket pitches and the provision of seating and lights to facilitate night games.
As stated in the Public Bodies Estimates of Revenue Expenditure for 2024/25, grants will go to national associations involved in aquatics, athletics, hockey, Paralympics and a host of other sporting areas and events.
The SDF will also support the hosting of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) Invitational and the Racers Track Meet.
Government agencies with responsibility for youth athletics programmes, summer activities and sports programmes in Zones of Special Operations (ZOSOs), will also receive funding as part of efforts to ease crime and foster community spirit in violent areas.
Further, the SDF will provide support for present and retired athletes, through the Welfare and Indigent Fund, and will continue to work with public and private stakeholders to assist national sports associations and athletes.
The Foundation, which is an entity under the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, is mandated to promote and encourage the development of sports talent and the expansion of facilities and activities concerning all aspects of sports in Jamaica.
The entity is projecting a surplus of some $12 million for 2024 following deficits of $122 million for 2022 and $24.5 million for 2023.
It has a staff complement of 18.