Local and international sporting stalwarts join in aiding Jamaica
Jamaica is still reeling from the brutal impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Category 5 storm that tore through the island on Tuesday, October 28, leaving families and whole communities struggling to pick up the pieces.
In the midst of the hardship, help is coming from several sectors, including the sporting arena. Some of the biggest names in local and international sports have stepped forward, joining hands and hearts to make sure Jamaicans hardest hit by the disaster are not forgotten. Their quick action and genuine concern are giving fresh hope at a time the country needs it most.
Jamaica’s international sprinting star Usain Bolt’s appeal for assistance for his beloved country saw his foundation receiving US$100,000 from Allianz Memorial Van Damme, Brussels’ iconic Diamond League meet.
Bolt has been visiting affected neighbourhoods and delivering aid. In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), the Olympic champion called for unity. “Now, as so many of our children, brothers and sisters face the hardships caused by Hurricane Melissa, please know, We are right here with YOU,” he wrote. We are standing together, rebuilding together, and reminding the world that Jamaicans never leave each other behind.”
US Olympian Noah Lyles, through his Lyles Brothers Sports Foundation, generously donated essential supplies to hurricane victims in Georges Valley, St Elizabeth — the hometown of his fiancée and fellow track athlete Junelle Bromfield.
Bromfield, in a video message posted on her social media page, said the community had always supported her, whether in raising money for Penn Relays or during her high school years, and she was happy to give back.
Jamaica’s sprinting legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, in an emotional post on her Instagram page, said although it was not easy for her, she felt compelled to share what she had seen after spending days on the road across St Elizabeth and Westmoreland.
She shared that through her Pocket Rocket Foundation and its partners, they have been distributing food, water, and care packages to students and families in the hardest-hit areas.
On Sunday, November 23 — Olympian Asafa Powell’s birthday — he chose to celebrate by donating two new homes to families in Darliston, Westmoreland, one of the communities that took a big hit during the hurricane.
The initiative was funded through a GoFundMe campaign that Powell launched to secure support for the victims of the hurricane.
The international sporting community was also represented by NBA champion Norman Powell, who donated US$100,000 (J$16 million) through his foundation, one of the humanitarian aid organisations helping with hurricane recovery.
Powell, who plays for the Miami Heat, partnered with others to donate US$1,000,000 (J$160 million) to Direct Relief.
President of the Heat Group’s business operations, Eric Woolworth, was reportedly quoted as saying, “Our hearts go out to the people of Jamaica. In Florida we are all too familiar with the widespread devastation caused by a Category 5 storm.”
Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets, whose father is Jamaican, also announced on his social media platform that he will be assisting.
Captain of the Reggae Boyz, Andre Blake, in partnership with his Major League Soccer club, the Philadelphia Union, organised a relief drive that will send essential items, including food and medication, to help those in need.
Blake’s international teammate Amari’i Bell also gave support through English Championship club Charlton Athletic, which has several Jamaican players contracted to the team, including Karoy Anderson and Kaheim Dixon. The club and the players have pledged support through cash and supplies.
As Jamaica continues to rebuild, sports personalities have nothing but positive messages and unwavering support as they cheer on the country in the arena for survival.
