Stacey Abrams challenges student-athletes at the Pocket Rocket Foundation Summit to dream boldly

Internationally recognised political leader, entrepreneur and New York Times bestselling author Stacey Abrams delivered a powerful charge to student-athletes at the Pocket Rocket Foundation’s 2026 Student-Athlete Summit, challenging them to “be foolish, be faithful and be friends” as they pursue lives of purpose, service and impact beyond sport.

Speaking under the theme, “Breaking Barriers. Building A Legacy,” Abrams used the charge “be foolish, be faithful, and be friends” to challenge students to pursue a life of courage, discipline, and service. She explained that to “be foolish” is to dream big, ambitious, and audacious dreams, even when others question what is possible. To “be faithful” is to remain committed to one’s vision and purpose, showing discipline and resilience even when the journey becomes difficult. To “be friends” is to understand that success is not only personal but also rooted in service, support, and the responsibility to lift others along the way. The event focused on preparing young athletes for success not only in competition, but in the classroom, in leadership, and in life.

Abrams’ keynote formed one of the major highlights of the summit, which was held under the theme Ready. Set. Accelerate! and brought together over 150 student-athletes from over 30 high schools across Jamaica. A delegation of two specially invited student athletes from St. Vincent and the Grenadines was also in attendance. 

The day also featured a compelling panel discussion, Thinking Beyond Limits: Overcoming Challenges and Building a Winning Mindset, with the Hon. Ambassador Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Founder and Chairwoman, Pocket Rocket Foundation; Dr. Jermaine McCalpin, Executive Director of the Foundation; Dr. Imamu “Mu” Tomlinson, Chief Executive Officer, Vituity and President, Vituity Cares Foundation; and Dr. Maureen Bell, Physician Director, Vituity and Board Member, Vituity Cares Foundation.

Fraser-Pryce urged students to see themselves beyond medals and performance, reminding them that sport is only one part of their purpose. “My greater purpose is not just a medal,” she said. “The reality is, track and field will finish, and who you are as a person will remain.”

The panel also explored self-doubt, confidence, pressure, education, resilience, and preparing for life beyond sport, with speakers reinforcing that while athletic ability may open doors, education, character, and discipline determine long-term success.

The summit’s practical sessions further equipped students with tools for growth. Dr. Olivia Rose, Performance Psychologist, led a session on goal setting; Dr. Yael Jagbir, Physiotherapist, addressed physical preparation and recovery; and Dr. Neil Gardner, Chiropractic Neurologist, focused on the brain-body connection and performance.

The summit was made possible through the support of sponsors, including Vituity Cares Foundation, Nike, Grace Foods, First Global Bank, Rubis, Burger King, JPS Foundation, Jamaica Biscuit Company (Excelsior), Digicel, and Toyota Jamaica. Through the Summit, the Pocket Rocket Foundation continued its mission of moving student-athletes from promise to possibility, while expanding conversations around education, leadership, resilience, and regional impact.