The GraceKennedy (GK) Group and its subsidiaries have pumped $178 million into this year’s ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships (Champs), which will be held at the National Stadium from March 19 to 23.

GraceKennedy Group Chief Executive Officer Don Wehby made the announcement during the launch at the National Stadium on Wednesday.

Wehby said Champs is one of the most exciting track and field championships across the globe and GK is committed to the development of student athletes.

“Champs continues to be the largest sponsorship in dollars and heart, by far, for the entire GraceKennedy Group,” he said. “We are honoured and proud to be the title sponsors of such an iconic event, an event that holds such cultural prominence among Jamaicans at home and abroad. This year, our Champs sponsorship is valued at $100 million. Additionally, there will be executions by our Grace Foods, Grace Money Services, and First Global brands all valued at an additional $78 million.”

Wehby says that he was impressed with the performances of the athletes on the track last year and is expecting more top-quality performances this year.

“This is a significant investment for GK and represents a powerful example of our commitment to invest in our schools, youth, and our country,” he said. “Our support for Champs and youth development in Jamaica is unwavering, and will continue for years to come.

“Each year the exciting performances at Champs bring us great joy. Last year we saw Bouwahjgie Nkrumie’s record of 9.99 seconds and Alana Reid’s 10.9s2 run. This year, we look forward to equally exciting performances, and I know our young athletes will not disapooint,” he said.

ISSA President Keith Wellington, meanwhile, said the organisation is committed to staging a high-quality event and this year, and has decided to add two international track and field officials to boost the cadre of meet officials.

“We believe that the inclusion of an international start referee and the addition of an international official to the jury of appeal will not only add significant credibility to these areas, but will enhance the already significant reputation of Champs as a meet of the highest international quality,” he said. “This year’s staging of Champs may well turn out to be akin to the greatest show on earth.

“We expect that patrons will be dazzled, not only by the performances of our athletes but will also experience pulsating entertainment off the track and both inside the stadium.”