The History and Impact of Boys and Girls' Champs in Jamaica

by Charlie

QUESTION about: The History and Impact of Boys and Girls Champs in Jamaica






ANSWER: by Wellesley Gayle
Thanks for this Charlie! I can tell you're a true track and field enthusiast.

First off, big up to Kingston College and Hydel High for their victories at Champs 2025! Very deserving!

I watched the final evening, and as usual, it was an electrifying event✨

Now, you asked two great questions Charlie:

1. How old is the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships?
   
2. Who benefits more—young athletes or schools?
   

Let's break it down.

How Old is Boys and Girls' Champs?

Believe it or not, Champs has been around for over 100 years! 😲 It started in 1910, making it one of the oldest and most prestigious high school athletics competitions in the world.

Originally, it was just for boys, but in 1957, the girls’ competition was introduced. Since then, it has grown into a massive event that showcases the best young talent in Jamaica—many of whom go on to dominate on the international stage.

Does Champs Benefit Athletes or Schools More?

The short answer? Both! But let’s look at how each group benefits.

How Athletes Benefit

• Exposure & Scholarships – Champs is like a scouting ground for international universities and professional coaches. Many young athletes get full athletic scholarships to schools in the U.S. and beyond.
  
  
• Pathway to Professional Success – Some of the world’s greatest sprinters, including Usain Bolt, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, and Elaine Thompson-Herah, were Champs stars before they became Olympic champions.
  
  
• Competitive Experience – Champs prepares athletes for the big stage. The energy, the crowd, the pressure, it’s like a mini-Olympics!
  
  
• Discipline & Personal Growth – Training for Champs builds work ethic, teamwork, and resilience, which are valuable life skills whether they continue in sports or not.
  

How Schools Benefit

• School Pride & Legacy – Winning Champs gives schools bragging rights for years. Schools like Kingston College (KC), Jamaica College (JC), and Edwin Allen have built their reputations on Champs success.
  
  
• Financial Incentives – Schools with strong athletics programs attract sponsorships, donations, and better facilities. Some schools even receive funding from past students who want to support the next generation.
  
  
• Recruitment of Top Talent – A Champs-winning school can attract the best young athletes from across Jamaica, helping them stay dominant year after year.
  

At the end of the day though, Champs is more than just a competition, it’s a cultural phenomenon in Jamaica. While schools gain prestige, I believe it’s the athletes who truly benefit the most in the long run, with opportunities for education, career growth, and even international fame.

But what do YOU think? Is Champs more about the athletes or the schools? Let me know in the comments! 😊

Regards,
WG

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