Kingston, Jamaica, CMC – In the wake of an extraordinary year for Jamaican athletics, the nation is turning its spotlight to the masterminds behind the success: the coaches.
Marking National Coaches Day 2025, the Honorable Olivia Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, led the tributes, recognizing the “immense contribution” of coaches from every corner of the island.
“Our coaches are the architects of our athletic dominance,” Minister Grange stated in an official release.
“Their discipline, dedication, and expertise not only produce world-class athletes but also instill invaluable life skills in our young people.”
The annual celebration, officially proclaimed by Governor-General Sir Patrick Linton Allen in 2022, comes at a high point following what the Minister described as a “remarkably successful 2025 Athletics season” for both junior and senior teams.
The Jamaica Track & Field Coaches Association (JATAFCA) received special praise for its pivotal role in initiating the push for a national day to honor coaches.
The partnership between the Ministry and JATAFCA will culminate in a major awards ceremony on November 22, 2025.
The event, themed “Sustainability of Athletics Through the Development of Coaches,” will celebrate the long and distinguished service of track and field coaches across five categories of excellence.
Echoing the Governor-General’s call, Minister Grange urged all citizens to participate in the day’s activities and to support coaches year-round.
“The success of Jamaican sport, from the primary to the elite level, is a direct reflection of the caliber and commitment of its coaching professionals,” the Minister affirmed, saluting all coaches, past and present.
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