The Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) hosted its second roadshow on Thursday, April 25, 2024, this time, making secondary schools in Manchester and Westmoreland the primary focus. The event took place at the Cecil Charlton Park, Mandeville and Independence Park, Savanna-la-Mar, under the theme, ‘Protecting Brand Jamaica Through Clean Sport’.

The highlight of Thursday’s roadshow was the ‘No Dope to Cope’ jingle/dance competition for student athletes of both parishes. The move came as JADCO aims to increase awareness of doping in sport and its consequences as well as the spirit of fair play, thereby fostering a dope-free environment in schools and building a stronger rapport with student athletes.

Speaking at the event, executive director of JADCO, June Spence Jarrett said the roadshow was fruitful, describing the Westmoreland leg of the journey as a fulfilling one. “I think the vibe in Westmoreland was greater than anything. The children immersed themselves into the ‘No Dope to Cope’ slogan for the jingle/dance competition and we are very happy. Today we had three schools who participated and did very well and I am so proud of them and happy to be in Westmoreland.”

“This morning, we were in Mandeville and it was great also. Bishop Gibson High School for Girls and DeCarteret College participated and we are happy about that. The initiative has absolutely spread the message to the populace and in particular, the budding athletes that we want to know about JADCO, and they have grasped it,” she added.

Bishop Gibson High School for Girls were the winners for Manchester and Petersfield High School, the winners for Westmoreland, each taking home $30,000 and a gift basket. DeCarteret College placed second for Manchester and Belmont Academy, placed second for Westmoreland while Manning’s School placed third. They were awarded $25,000 and $20,000 respectively, along with a gift basket.

Student athlete of Bishop Gibson High School for Girls, Tonishae Smith, while lauding the initiative, said,” I think it targets the youth and it is very important that they know about drug use because it is something that is incessant in our society. My charge for the Commission is to continue doing the great work and target more schools — especially those in rural areas — because getting the message across is very important.”

Acting head of department, physical education at Petersfield High School, Nicole Johnson, expressed that it was the school’s first time at a roadshow, and they enjoyed it. “This is a very important initiative because it goes back to the school curriculum. Although the students who participated are athletes, they are also sitting CSEC and CAPE exams and this provided them with more insight about JADCO and doping, allowing them to make the right decisions. JADCO should keep up the good work,” she said.

Meanwhile, acting guidance counsellor at Belmont Academy, Natoya Chambers was pleased with the jingle/dance competition. “This was a healthy competition and that is what JADCO is all about. I am happy you took this initiative to Westmoreland.”

Sports director at Manning’s School, Courtney Hughes, commended the Commission for what he deemed a job well done. “As a sports enthusiast myself, we send all the accolades we can, to JADCO, for such an awesome job. Sensitising our youngsters — especially within the schools — given the time we are living in and what persons turn to in order to achieve success, is a beautiful initiative indeed. Once the message gets across, a life is saved, a community is saved and a country is in good hands,” he said.

The Commission hosted its first-ever roadshow in August 2023 along the North Coast; in the Ocho Rios Town Centre, St. Ann and Sam Sharpe Square, Montego Bay, St. James. The activities form part of JADCO’s 15th anniversary celebration.

JADCO’s executive director says the roadshow will be an annual initiative as the Commission reinforces its efforts to educate the public about its role in keeping sport clean in Jamaica. “We will be taking this on annually because the people need to know about the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission, our functions and responsibilities and what we do. Last Saturday, when we were walking through the town of Savanna-la-Mar, the market and along the streets, some persons did not know about JADCO, so we are taking JADCO to the people,” she said.

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