Area 8 capture 37th JCF National Sports title at Mona

Area 8 were crowned champions of the 2026 Jamaica Constabulary Force JPCCU National Sports Athletics Championships after two days of competition at the Usain Bolt Stadium, also known as the UWI Mona Bowl, in St Andrew.

The team finished with 260.5 points to secure its 37th title. Area 2 placed second with 176 points, while Area 5 were third on 169.5. Area 7 ended fourth with 158, followed by Area 6 on 150, Area 3 on 108, Area 1 on 104 and Area 4 on 81.

The second day opened with a march past and formal ceremony. Reverend Dr Courtney Faulner, acting force chaplain, offered prayer, while Dr Gary McKenzie, assistant commissioner of police and chairman of the Police National Sports Council, welcomed athletes, senior officers, sponsors and supporters. ACP Clifford Chambers, representing the commissioner of police, declared the championships open.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace Dr Horace Chang praised the JCF's recent policing performance and urged greater investment in recreational, wellness and sporting facilities for officers across the force.

Commissioner of Police Dr Kevin Blake later joined the law enforcement torch run connected to Special Olympics Jamaica, with organisers noting a $5-million fundraising target.

On the track, Area 8 closed strongly, winning both the women's and men's 4x400 metres. The men's team clocked 3:24.19, with Area 7 second and Area 2 third. Area 6 won the women's 4x100 metres, while Area 8 took the men's sprint relay.

Individual awards went to Area 5's Shade Anderson as overall female champion, Area 3's Kimmani Smith as male track champion, Area 6's Bethune Hutchinson as female field champion, and Area 2's Adrien Smelly as male field champion. Area 2 also won the tug-of-war and was named most improved team.