HANOVER, Jamaica – In a powerful display of corporate and sporting solidarity, the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) has joined forces with its long-standing sponsor, PUMA, to provide critical relief to student-athletes in parishes ravaged by Hurricane Melissa.

On Friday, January 16, a delegation from the JAAA travelled to the western end of the island to hand over care packages to student-athletes at three major institutions: Rusea’s High, Merlene Ottey High, and Rhodes Hall High.

A Swift Response to Devastation

The western parishes were among the hardest hit when Hurricane Melissa tore through the country in October 2025. The Category 5 storm left a trail of destruction, damaging infrastructure and severely disrupting the lives and training schedules of the nation’s young talent.

Recognizing the urgent need, JAAA President Garth Gayle spearheaded the initiative to visit the affected regions. In the immediate aftermath of the storm, President Gayle and other JAAA members braved treacherous road conditions to assess the damage first-hand. With communication networks down and power outages widespread, venturing into the West was the only way to obtain an accurate account of the situation facing schools and their athletic programs.

Partnerships in Action

Upon returning from the assessment, Mr. Gayle contacted PUMA. The global sports giant, a dedicated partner of Jamaican athletics for decades, did not hesitate to answer the call.

The relief team that visited the schools on Friday was led by JAAA 1st Vice-President Ian Forbes, accompanied by JAAA staff and Juliet Campbell, PUMA’s Marketing Manager for Running. The student-athletes received comprehensive care packages that included essential food items, toiletries, and select PUMA-branded apparel.

“It is our responsibility to ensure that our stakeholders, including our student-athletes and teachers, are given a chance to train and compete well,” said 1st Vice-President Ian Forbes. “We would like to level the playing field as best as possible when they compete against their peers who were not affected by the hurricane.”

Motivation for the Road Ahead

The JAAA hopes that this gesture will serve as more than just physical relief; it is intended to inspire and motivate athletes, coaches, and teachers to persevere with their training despite the setbacks. Anna Kay Lewis, a senior teacher at Rusea’s High, expressed the school’s gratitude, noting that the hurricane forced the institution to consolidate its two campuses into one, significantly impacting their daily routines.

Beyond immediate supplies, the JAAA is also exploring strategic ways to assist western schools in finding local meets. This will ensure that athletes are sufficiently prepared for the upcoming championship season.

Looking Forward

This visit marks the beginning of a wider outreach program. The JAAA has confirmed that it will continue to visit more schools hit hard by Hurricane Melissa in the coming weeks.

The next relief trip is scheduled for Friday, January 23, 2026.