GKGI & GK Mutual Funds renew title sponsorship of Prep Champs to the tune of Prep Champs with J$4M

GraceKennedy Financial Group (GKFG), through GK General Insurance (GKGI) and GK Mutual Funds (GKMF), has renewed its title sponsorship of the JISA National Preparatory Schools Track and Field Championships for a third consecutive year, with J$4 million for the 2026 staging of the event.

The announcement was made at the official launch of the championships held on Friday at Sts. Peter and Paul Prep. The event, set for June 11 to 13, will bring together approximately 45 schools from eight parishes, more than 1,500 student-athletes, and over 200 officials.

Speaking at the launch, Orette Duncan, Client and Partner Services Manager at GKGI, said the partnership reflects GraceKennedy’s wider commitment to youth development, education, and nation-building.

“For the third consecutive year, the GraceKennedy Financial Group (GKFG) stands with the Jamaica Independent Schools Association as part of the JISA Prep Champs, powered by GK General Insurance and GK Mutual Funds,” Duncan said.

He added that the sponsorship speaks directly to what the group believes in: “protecting futures, investing in potential, and supporting platforms that help our young people become the very best versions of themselves.”

Duncan said the event goes beyond competition and medals, noting that Prep Champs helps to build confidence, discipline, teamwork, preparation, and resilience among young athletes.

“In many ways, sports is one of the earliest and most powerful investments that we can make in our youth,” she said. “Like any good investment, it requires patience, guidance, belief and the right support system. The returns may not come immediately, but they are lasting.”

In addition to the J$4 million title, GKGI and GK Mutual Funds will also provide a J$500,000 cash contribution to one school to support the development of its athletics programme.

The school will be selected through a promotion hosted on the GK One mobile app. 

Parents, guardians and supporters are being encouraged to enter by downloading the app, clicking on the JISA promotion, and completing the form. The promotion runs until July 6, 2026.

Organisers described the championships as one of the island’s premier prep school sporting events and a key part of Jamaica’s athletics development pipeline.

At the launch, JISA representatives said the event continues to provide young athletes with exposure to structured competition, while supporting character-building and school pride.

The 2026 staging is expected to feature three days of competition, with organisers also urging coaches, parents and school administrators to prioritise hydration and athlete safety, given the expected heat during the meet.

Duncan encouraged the young athletes to compete with courage, support their teammates and respect their competitors.

“Every race, every jump, every throw is part of a much bigger journey,” he said. “We are excited for a great competition and look forward to working with JISA as we power the championships to support our nation’s future through sports, education and opportunity.”