As the curtain closes on another exciting staging of the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Championships, many of us are still celebrating the incredible performances, school pride, and unforgettable moments produced by Jamaica’s young athletes. For a few days, the nation stood still to cheer on our boys and girls as they pushed beyond limits and carried the hopes of their schools and communities.

Yet, after the cheers fade and the medals are put away, an important question remains: what happens to these young people afterwards?

Each year, we celebrate champions on the track, but too many promising athletes and students quietly disappear from the spotlight. Some struggle financially, some lose motivation, some fall victim to negative influences, and others simply lack the guidance and support needed to transition successfully into adulthood.