Millions World Athletics has donated to Jamaica to aid Hurricane Melissa victims
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 08.01.26. | 16:37
The Category 5 hurricane, which struck in October, wreaked havoc across several regions, with the western parishes bearing the brunt of the devastation
World Athletics has pledged $100,000 (approximately Ksh16 million) to assist members of Jamaica’s track and field community affected by the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa.
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The donation was announced by World Athletics president Lord Sebastian Coe during a four-day fact-finding visit to the island, where he toured storm-hit areas and held high-level meetings with government and sports officials.
The Category 5 hurricane, which struck in October, wreaked havoc across several regions, with the western parishes bearing the brunt of the devastation.
The funds will be distributed through the International Athletics Foundation and will be directed towards recovery pathways and targeted support programs for athletes, coaches, and technical officials whose training and competition structures were disrupted by the storm.
Coe arrived in Jamaica on Sunday, 4 January, and paid courtesy calls on Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Minister of Sport Olivia “Babsy” Grange, before engaging with officials from the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA).
He also visited schools and training centres, including Jamaica College and Excelsior High School, to gain firsthand insight into the challenges facing young athletes.
Many schools and clubs remain unable to operate normally months after the hurricane, with some athletes yet to return to training.
Coe singled out schools as a critical pillar of Jamaica’s global athletics success, noting that damage to these institutions poses a long-term threat to the country’s talent development system.
Speaking at a press briefing at the JAAA headquarters, Coe said World Athletics was committed to offering practical and sustainable support rather than short-term relief.
“World Athletics has expertise, experience, and the ability to bring the right partners to the table. We want to make sure that any programs we support or help facilitate have a lasting influence,” he said.
He went on to emphasise the power of sport in rebuilding communities during times of crisis, describing athletics as a source of hope and stability for young people affected by the disaster.
Beyond the initial financial contribution, Coe revealed that additional fundraising initiatives are already in the pipeline.
A 5km road race is being planned for the Easter period following discussions with Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby, with proceeds set to benefit hurricane victims.
“I have agreed to become the patron of that race and will encourage others within the sport to support it,” Coe said.
Coe further warned against taking that success for granted, calling on both the JAAA and the government to maintain strong investment in the systems that underpin the nation’s athletics dominance.
