Jamaica Olympic Association marks Olympic Day at Emancipation Park with 15 sporting bodies

The Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) held its International Olympic Day celebration at Emancipation Park in New Kingston, drawing more than 15 national sporting associations under the theme Let's Move, We Can Do It.

Observed worldwide on 23 June, the occasion is recognised by 206 national Olympic committees. Dozens of spectators toured booths across the park while athletes and coaches from participating bodies demonstrated their disciplines.

President Christopher Samuda said the JOA's support extends beyond its 56 member associations. Olympic sports remain the priority, but the body also works with non-Olympic disciplines such as netball and squash.

Samuda said the association aims to assist any sport that takes root in Jamaica, expose the public to a wider range of disciplines, and give young people opportunities to develop. That approach, he said, helps build a sustainable sporting infrastructure. While Jamaica is known globally for athletics, he wants other disciplines to excel internationally without sacrificing value or principle. He urged federations to organise themselves, pledging JOA support while noting that progress takes time.

Netball is not yet part of the Olympic programme. Netball Jamaica President Karen Baugh used the event to highlight the World Netball bid to have the sport included at the 2032 Games in Australia. Jamaica ranks fourth in the world; Australia is first. Baugh encouraged supporters to visit the World Netball page, sign the pledge, and show that backing is coming from Jamaica and beyond Europe and Oceania.

Level one coach Allison Watson said Tennis Jamaica is working to spread the game locally and open Olympic pathways in line with the JOA, which she described as the central body coordinating major Olympic sports in Jamaica.

International Olympic Day was first observed on 23 June 1948.