Jamaica Olympic Association embraces Curling as newest sporting endeavour

In a ground-breaking move aimed at diversifying Jamaica's sporting landscape, the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) has welcomed Curling Jamaica as its latest member, signaling a new era of opportunity and growth for winter sports in the Caribbean nation.

During a press conference held at the JOA Headquarters in Kingston on Monday, President Christopher Samuda expressed enthusiasm for Jamaica's foray into curling and outlined the federation's vision for the sport's development.

"Our Curling team is not only 'hot pon di ice' but 'it a bun up di ice,' and my fear is that when the ice melts, a who dem Curling a go blame?" remarked President Samuda.

"But is dem set it abalze! Whatever is the sequence of the blame game, one thing is for sure: our historic 'ice breaking' curling team is in a no-nonsense mood for the next winter games in Italy in 2026, and the Jamaica Olympic Association is right there with them on the ice."

Curling Jamaica's aspirations for Olympic glory

President Samuda emphasized the JOA's commitment to supporting Curling Jamaica's aspirations for Olympic glory and highlighted the importance of diversifying Jamaica's sporting asset base.

"The ownership of Jamaica’s sporting asset is plural, and the sport of curling has a right to be a part owner of the national real estate in sport," stated President Samuda. "Because the goal of creating a sport industry demands a multi-faceted investment strategy, and diversification of our asset base in sport will promote this.

"The JOA will never place 'on ice' the dreams and aspirations of any member association," asserted Samuda. "Curling Jamaica is proving that it has the mettle, the belly, to do so and, in constructing, they are, with the JOA, re-engineering winter sports to give them greater capital and value."

As Curling Jamaica embarks on its journey to qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, Samuda urged corporate Jamaica to rally behind the sport and seize the opportunity to invest in its future success.

Strive for excellence on the international stage

"The wait is over now. Jamaica, with His Blessings, must now earn its way in winter sports to the podium and hoist our flag - the black, gold, and green standard – there on the very ice where Angels will tread and Eskimos will acknowledge and yield to our authority and greatness," declared Samuda.

In closing, he issued a rallying cry to Curling Jamaica, encouraging them to embrace the challenge ahead and strive for excellence on the international stage.

"We are saying to you, Curling Jamaica, 'bun up di ice' in creating a legacy which will motivate generations of players and by which others, on ice, will be judged."