With its focus now firmly set on qualifying for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, the Jamaica Curling Association (JCA) has partnered with the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) to enhance the chances of creating history and represent the country at the spectacle.

Established two years ago by former president Ben Kong, a Jamaican based in Canada, the JCA is now aligning its goals with the JOA to advance Jamaica’s participation in the Winter Olympics sport of curling. The partnership between the JCA and JOA was made official yesterday during a press conference, which was held at the JOA’s office in Kingston.

Robert Richards, vice-president and local administrator of the JCA, said his organisation anticipates of building of a solid partnership with the JOA and aims to foster the growth and development of curling in Jamaica.

“For us, the key is the push, and the JOA has to be the ultimate goal because it is a Winter Olympics sport, and that is why it was formed to get Jamaica to participate in another Winter Olympics sport, which is curling,” said Richards.

“Participation in these events requires JOA backing, assisting in spreading awareness in Jamaica, and providing solidarity funding for individuals who will travel to schools in Canada to continue curling, thus promoting the growth and development of the sport in Jamaica,” he added.

“In addition to bobsleigh, skiing, ice skating, and ice hockey, of which we are now a part, and were developed out of Jamaica, we want curling to become a part of that group. We aim to establish a team and collaborate with the diaspora in Europe, the United States, and Canada to develop a team. By involving Jamaicans playing on teams abroad, we hope to expand our team and have a larger pool to select from,” Richards emphasised.

He highlighted that despite the country not being represented in curling at this year’s Olympic Games in Paris, the organisation has had success on the international stage, with their female team securing a silver medal at the Pan American Confederation Games last year.

“Although they didn’t qualify for the World Championships, new opportunities are emerging for them to attempt qualification and make it to the World Championships. Accumulating points there will be instrumental in their bid to qualify for the Olympics,” Richards asserted.

Christopher Samuda, president of the JOA, expressed his organisation’s delight in partnering with the JCA.

“Curling Jamaica has been a member of the Jamaica Olympic Association for over two years. It aligns with our ‘all for sport and sport for all’ policy, promoting the admission of sports under the Olympic agenda,” said Samuda. “We seek to provide diverse opportunities for our youth and ensure the diversification of sporting assets,” he said.

Samuda stated that the JOA is committed to helping with the growth and development of sports in Jamaica, and therefore, the organisation will assist the JCA in driving the sport forward in the country.

“Supporting Curling Jamaica is essential because of the evident talent and success they have achieved in a short period. Our aim is to engage the diaspora, transfer competencies and expertise locally, and provide opportunities for our youth to contribute to and enhance the sport,” he concluded.