FROM PAN AM TO THE WORLD

The Jamaica Lacrosse Association (JLA) is hoping to use its hosting of the 2026 Pan-American Men’s Lacrosse Championship as a springboard towards its goal of eventually staging the World Lacrosse Championship.

Speaking at the launch of the competition yesterday, JLA president Calbert Hutchinson said the Pan-American Championship will serve as a showcase of Jamaica’s ability to successfully host a major international sporting event.

Hutchinson said that hosting the Pan-American Championship, coupled with the successful staging of the 2023 PALA Sixes Cup, would lay the foundation for a future bid to host the World Lacrosse Championship.

“My association, my board members, and I, we are immensely proud of the moment and happy about this tournament. But for us really, as I’ve said earlier, these tournaments are a means to an end.

“It sets the stage for putting in a bid for the World Championship,” he continued.

“We would have had the experience with the 2023 PALA Sixes event, and we know we’re going to be successful with this one.”

Hutchinson added: “It will give us the experiential background to put in our bid for the World Championship.”

OPENING DOORS

Hutchinson said hosting the Pan-American Championship will not only open doors for the association but also benefit Jamaican players.

He explained that the championship will bring the attention of the lacrosse world to Jamaica and its players, creating opportunities for scholarships at overseas universities.

“The opportunities that it really creates and the doors that it opens for those who we serve – our young men and women,” Hutchinson said.

“Every time they compete or participate in a World Championship, a regional championship, we see scholarships coming their way.”

He continued: “I have a running list of our young men and women who have received scholarships over the years, and I can tell you, it’s over 30 right now, and it keeps growing.

“Even as I speak with you, we have young men from Kingston College and St George’s College who are finalising their scholarships to go overseas.”

In addition to local players receiving scholarships to compete overseas, Hutchinson said the Pan-American Championship would also provide a platform for players from the diaspora to compete in front of a Jamaican audience.

“Hosting the championship in Jamaica also provides an opportunity for members of the Jamaican Diaspora to return home, compete in front of a local audience, and contribute to the development of the sport.”

The Pan-American Championship is scheduled to run from August 16 to 23, with matches to be played at The Mico University College and Stadium East.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com