Jamaica, a sport destination?

For years, Jamaica has performed well in international spaces in track and field, cricket, football, netball, basketball, hockey, swimming… and I could go on. Much has been discussed about Jamaica as a destination that produces athletes of the highest caliber; but also a destination that can host sport. That is how the economic cycle turns.

As a background, the Jamaican system has never been able to record a correct estimate of the contribution of the sport industry to its gross domestic product (GDP); but the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) in its annual public, the Economic and Social Survey of Jamaica (ESSJ) suggests that sports and entertainment contribute a combined figure of up to 3.5 per cent.

The GDP as reported for the 2019 period is $14.516 billion. The sport figure would therefore be close to $500 million.

When the Government presented its 2019/2020 budget for $803 billion the allocation for sport was $4.119 billion; a figure that has shown steady increase over the years. Certainly, in the last decade the country has participated in two Summer Olympic Games – 2012, 2016 and was about to go to its third in 2020, now postponed to 2021.

For the 2022/2023 budget cycle, the overall figure is estimated at 912 billion. The allocation for sport is 4.4 billion which is .48 per cent of the overall budget.

For that table to turn, we need a model that speaks to

• Properties – leagues, teams and athletes earnings
• Rights Management – gate, media and marketing rights
• Events – this is now an experience in a cutting edge venue
• Content

One of the best examples of how the four areas mentioned above co-exist, was when the ICC developed and implemented T20 cricket. We know how that has gone.

Talent alone won’t sell and if Jamaica is to earn from Sport and Entertainment it must have venues that can host events. The venues on the island could do with some modernisation and even additional (new) venues to stay in the game.

Because of our developing nation status, we have to plan way head of time and set targets. The time to start is now, if not before.

The ideal events are single sport. MultiSport events are outside of reach at this point, as the legacies have not shown the requisite ROI in even developed nations.

That value-added is needed. Based on global figures, football, basketball, cricket, golf events and extreme sport have the biggest potential for revenue. We should look at a plan (again). Reactivate Jamaica Sport. And oh, by the way, Sport Conventions are a massive way to earn.

Tryall Golf Course, Jamaica

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Kingston – the place to be in June

Spend one week in Kingston (June 22 – 29) and experience the joy of seeing the fastest athletes in the world; a chance to feel the beat and rhythm of the city; while taking an adventure out to one of the mountains.

This is going to be a once in a lifetime opportunity. The governing body for track and field will host its National Championships, June 23 – 26. Four days of fast-paced, breathtaking, competitive and fierce battles to make the teams for global and regional meets. Tickets will go on sale soon.

Come in a day early and find a spot where you will hear the drum of bass of Jamaica’s reggae and dancehall. The City will be jamming on and off the track.

Kingston’s pull is the pace, the lights, the sound, the color and of course, the people.

Book your ticket now. Kingston, the heartbeat of the Caribbean awaits you.

Digital Engagement, the way forward for Sport Marketing

The pandemic has affected how sport was marketed for the last two years. That won’t change anytime soon. While some sporting events were able to have crowds, there is going to be a need for marketers to be so much more innovative.

Digital engagement will have to be combined with a smaller crowd for an effective collaboration for brands. What that suggests is, streaming will again be the way more consumers are engaged.

In Jamaica for example, horseracing has more or less enjoyed their usual crowd. However, in major sports like football, netball, cricket and track and field, the sporting disciplines with global competitions to prepare for this year; events are already on the calendar to offer the athletes an opportunity to compete.

With the rules governed by Ministry of Health and the Office of Disaster Preparedness, marketers will need to dip deep in their creative minds to find ways to have their brands maximise engagement.

A multi-channel approach must therefore be on the front burner. The applications such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok along with live and delayed reporting must be the way forward. It may even see a greater role for radio.

This approach offers a greater deal of monitoring opportunities for marketers:

• You can listen and track conversations
• Fans can call in and offer their take on what is happen even during competition
• Digital connections will grow

None of what we did three years ago, will remain the same and so there has to be new ways of thinking.

The usual ways for sport assets to earn will now have to jump into the digital space

• There is e-ticketing
• Merchandise will now have to be mailed
• Technology will be forced to be more effective as consumers will be streaming more, so subscription fees may increase

Opportunities for Athletes

The time is ripe for the more engaged athlete. The one that can connect with fans and brand in an equal way while allowing themselves to be accepted as an authentic personality. The usual crowd-pleasing antics that would be done in a stadium will now have to be online. That also gives rise to more content for the brands the athletes are associated with. This is a 360-degree relationship that is about to start and both the athlete and the brand win..

How Jamaican (Caribbean) companies can pivot

Over the next two years, leading to the Summer Olympics Games, scheduled for Paris in 2024, lots of Jamaican athletes will be on the global stage at several levels. They are in league competitions, they are in qualifiers, and they will be on teams to World Championships, Commonwealth Games, World Youth and of course the Olympics. These are in several cities in spaces where your brands would be useful to have a spot. I am challenging businesses to connect to an athlete, grow with them on and off the field and get your messages out.

This is how we should all be pivoting in 2022 and beyond.

Get in the Game!

Sport Psychologist and Marketer publish book on Caribbean Sport

• ABCs of Caribbean Sport: Marketing and Psychology

KINGSTON, Jamaica – “Sport deserves every bit of attention it can get on and off the field. Athletes need to be prepared for the mind games too,” that is the advice shared by Carole Beckford and Dr Olivia Rose Esperance in their latest collaboration.

The collaboration is shared in a book, ABCs of Caribbean Sport, Marketing and Psychology out now on sale for J$3,000. The book will be available on Amazon soon.

The 140-page publication dives deep into an industry in the Caribbean which has worked and can continue to work if the talent converts to economic activity (marketing); and how athletes and their teams can maximize earnings while being engaged in a process that takes you from any adversity to a winning attitude, via a positive mindset (psychology).

The project began when the two worked together for the 2018 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup which was held in Guyana, St Lucia and the final in Antigua. Rose was the sport psychologist assigned to the Windies Women, while Beckford was head of marketing and communications for Cricket West Indies. Both are on their third publication.

Rose Esperance describes her contribution as “the timing is impeccable, as during the pandemic, sport is a means of escape and sport people can and should use this opportunity to be managed while building on their competitive portfolio. The two areas of sport are of great significance and written by Caribbean authors. I am proud of this project.”

Beckford believes “it is important to continue to share information about an industry that has contributed so much to the exposure of the region’s best in the global sporting world. The pool of sporting officials has not only grown in numbers, but in quality. There is so much more to earn from the business of sport.”

Both are supporters of student-athletes and their continued pursuit of excellence. “While the athletes continue to excel, management can do some more to create better synergies for business,” noted Rose Esperance.

The book will sell for J$3,000 and US$20. Patrons may support by ordering on Facebook at (1) ABCs of Caribbean Sport – Marketing and Psychology | Facebook

-ENDS-

Face to Face and Online for Reggae Sunsplash 2021

Kingston, Jamaica– Reggae Sunsplash will return in November 2021.  The event which returned following a 14-year absence is due for Friday and Saturday, November 26 and 27 at the Grizzly’s Plantation Cove in St Ann. 

Following its successful return to the Entertainment Calendar in 2020, Reggae Sunsplash has some wonderful ideas for the 2021 renewal.

The iconic Reggae Festival that was staged virtually as a result of the worldwide Covid 19 Pandemic, pulled in viewership well over 300,000 from 25 countries after a 14-year hiatus.

This year, the promoters of the festival aim to not only meet but exceed the digital achievements through a 360-degree hybrid entertainment model.

This hybrid model will see an expansion of viewing party experience following in the 2020 model. This will include restaurants, sports bars and hotels.

Festival Producer Randy Mattis stated that “We are very happy with the response to last year’s staging and we want to push the potential of the festival this year. The entertainment package is critical, and we are working with our booking agent, Aaron Spence at Kaboom Agency to secure the acts for 2021.”

Tyrone Wilson – Executive Producer; Aaron Kaboom Spence – Booking Agent; Randy Mattis – Producer – Reggae Sunsplash 2020

Mattis added that “the line-up will be attractive to a wide cross-section of fans and we aim to deliver the best of available artistes.

The plan is to build on the existing model by adding more viewing locations globally while exploring the possibility of a physical experience of the festival for a limited number of patrons over the age of 18 enjoying an exclusive experience at the 100-acre property.

Executive producer Tyrone Wilson added that “The prevalence of COVID-19 requires that we innovate and reintroduce the Reggae Sunsplash brand in a more engaging, interactive and far-reaching way. With the support of our partners and sponsors, it is our vision to leverage Reggae Sunsplash to transform our cultural entertainment sector generating major returns to our economy.”

The 2021 staging of the festival is scheduled for the month of November with two nights of performances and curated content experiences with a number of artistes set to grace the stage.

In celebration of Reggae Sunsplash’s rich legacy, the festival will merge performances from industry veterans and today’s reggae and dancehall heavy hitters.

For more information contact Reggae Sunsplash at info@reggaesunsplash.com

Discussion: PATHWAY TO ELITE PERFORMANCE – TRACK AND FIELD

PATHWAY TO ELITE PERFORMANCE – TRACK AND FIELD

KINGSTON, Jamaica – The road to a successful career in track and field is not always smooth. Jamaica’s success at the regional and international levels has not made it any easier and so the current and next generation of athletes are in a great position to continue and enhance the rich tradition.

That said, the pressure to maintain is always a factor worth considering and the GC Foster College of Physical Education and Sport, under the leadership of Principal, Maurice Wilson, is always focused on presenting opportunities for all round growth and development.

On Saturday, June 12, the institution, will host another discussion to offer solutions to a track and field’s athlete pathway to elite performance.

The panelists will come from:

• Former, Jamaica Olympic Association President, Mike Fennell
• Olympic Coach, Glen Mills
• Agents – Adrian Laidlaw and Cubie Seegobin
• Sport Medicine Expert, Dr Kevin Gwyn Jones
• Lecturer, Marlon Gayle
• Principal and Olympic Coach, Maurice Wilson
• Sport Administrator, Olive McNaughton

Wilson thinks this discussion is important at this moment. “Athletes need to be armed with information to make better decisions. We also urge the team around them to be in a much better position to assist where applicable. A valuable part of each athlete’s team is a parent, who most times see themselves as onlookers. We want as many people as possible to know what entails on this journey,” said Wilson.

The panel will steer participants on what are some of the scenarios that could be encountered along the way from junior status to elite.

“GC Foster has hosted several discussions on sport in general over the last year and this one targeting track and field is of significance at this juncture,” noted Wilson.

Carole Beckford, Sport Marketing expert will moderate the session due to start at 6pm (Jamaica)/7pm EST. The session will be done via Zoom.

Rebel Salute 2020 – Come for the show, stay for the experience

When the band strikes the first note on Friday, January 17, it would signal the 27th staging of Rebel Salute. The festival which was first a one night event, has now turned into a massive two-day festival catering to a wide and diverse audience globally.

This year’s renewal will feature the experience of a lifetime with great music from Reggae Artistes. Patrick Barrett, aka, Tony Rebel, host of the event, along with his team, says “this year’s line up for both evening will showcase over 700 hits across the talent that will be on show. That is quite a remarkable feat.”

What is happening now, 9 days before the start of the show is the full suite of artistes rehearsing at studio locations across Kingston. This is where the artistes and their teams come to perfect their performances. They appear with back up singers, band members and even some of the managers stop by.

Chevaughn who is on the Friday line up, had a session https://twitter.com/CaroleBeckford/status/1214956823545044992?s=20

While Errol Dunkley of Black Cinderella fame, gave a shout out to the fans to join him on Saturday, January 18 https://twitter.com/CaroleBeckford/status/1214971011063590913?s=20

The stage manager is there on location and provides support to the crews that come in and ensures that the times allocated are adhered to.

The show welcomes 49 per cent of the total audience from overseas and this, according to Tony Rebel, “indicates that the show is a fitting product for music lovers at home and abroad.”

The Grammy-nominated Reggae Album Group, Steel Pulse will be on stage on Friday along with Toots and the Maytals, Sanchez, Chi Chi Ching, Kenyatta Hill – to name a few; while on Saturday, Moses Davis (Beenie Man), Jessie Royal, Tony Tuff, Chronnic Law and Benjy Myaz are among the stars to be on the show.

There is comedy with Johnny and Friends on Friday. While on Saturday a dub plate show case featuring Jack Scorpio (Jamaica) and DynamQ Sound (South Sudan) will be a highlight on Saturday.

The village will present an eclectic presentation of art and craft and the now popular herb curb, with Dr Julius Garvey as a special guest.

Tickets are available at https://secure.ticketpal.com/affiliate/rebelsalutewebsite

The two-day show, held at the Grizzlys Plantation Cove, Priory, St Ann is one you won’t want to miss. Gates open at 5pm and show starts promptly at 7pm.

Come for the music, stay for the experience – after all, it is the Peoples Show.

See you there

Create | Protect | Earn with IPMG

KINGSTON, Jamaica -” A forum that outlines how to commercialize your creative and cultural assets through a carefully crafted programme is one that is truly needed,” this according to O’Neil Walters, CEO of the newly formed Intellectual Property Mining Group (IPMG). 

That forum will be available come Wednesday, November 13. The event will focus on three key areas of research, marketing and how to value your brand, under the theme ‘Create. Protect. Earn.’

Presentations will be made by IP Research Specialist – Dean McKellar; Media/Marketing Specialist, O’Neil Walters and Marketing Specialist, Carole Beckford – all of whom will share in a case study style their experiences on how they have successfully managed and delivered winning projects throughout their careers while also showcasing influential current global trends.

The Forum will target creative industry practitioners inclusive of officials in businesses that have among their portfolio, sponsorship, marketing, public relations and communications around segments of the Orange Economy. 

Walters wants the forum to seek to strengthen the capacity but also deepen the relationships with persons who manage lifestyle personality brands/organizations in key areas of sport, music and entertainment. 

IPMG Team

Among the highlights of the event will be a CEO Vision Lounge which will feature leaders of corporate organizations who have had the experience and those who seek to know how “the present landscape will shape how they integrate the creative elements of Jamaica into their Corporate campaigns.” 

The event will run from 3:00 to 6:00 pm and will include a business executives’ lyme (networking session) with one of IPMG’s clients, DJ Kurt Riley, who will provide entertainment. It is an all- inclusive event for just $10,000. We invite all to register interest and get listed at info@ignitionipmg.com 

DJ Kurt Riley

FUNDRAISER LAPATHON FOR THE REGGAE GIRLZ – Saturday, May 18

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz will play Panama in Kingston on Sunday, May 19 at 7pm at the National Stadium. This will be the final home match before they head out to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, June 7 to July 7.

The team has international friendlies in Florida (May 21 – 24) and Scotland (May 28) en route to France.

Panama was the team the Reggae Girlz defeated 4-2 on penalties (October 2018) to seal their spot for the World Cup. The return match is expected to provide a thrilling encounter for fans in Kingston.

While in Jamaica from May 12 to 20, there will be a series of events on and off the field for the team.

The Special Projects Team will be hosting a fundraising lapathon at the Jamaica College Ashenheim Stadium on Saturday, May 18 beginning at 6:30 am.

A member of the Special Projects Team, Pat Garel, says “the event is aimed at raising well-needed funds to off-set some of the costs associated with ensuring the team has all the resources needed for a secure journey onward and during the World Cup. We see this as an important event for the Jamaican fans and the Girlz.”

Fans are required to contribute a small fee of J$1,500 and the event will combine the walk/run and will have entertainment for all from 6:00 – 9:30 am

Participants are being asked to wear their best and most appropriate Jamaican outfit to come celebrate the Reggae Girlz. The team, which will have a training session that Saturday, will make a short pit stop at the venue to say thanks.

Interested participants may send an email to reggaegirlzjamaica@gmail.com fff520

Volunteers ready for Kingston City Marathon

Kingston, Jamaica – Over 400 volunteers will be a part of the 7th Kingston City Run and the first Kingston City Marathon this Sunday, March 17. 

The volunteers hail mainly from Colleges and Universities in the Corporate area along with a diverse group of residents from across the country. The volunteers will be placed in areas to deal with: 

• Marshalling water stops along the routes 
• Water Stops coverage 
• Record Keeping (to balance the electronic scoring) 
• Photography 
• Medal distribution 
• Start and Close of races
• Post-event activity in Emancipation Park 

Mrs Prudence Simpson

​Volunteers’ Manager, Prudence Simpson is pleased with the response from the team of volunteers “I am happy that the spirit of volunteerism is alive and well and from the meetings and sessions we have had, it is obvious people are still happy to share their time and talent to a worthy cause. It is one of the many positives about this event. This is our 7th year, and we have gotten great support from our volunteers.” 

The event is endorsed by the Jamaica Tourist Board and is supported by a cadre of sponsors. The main ones are: 

• Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association 
• Life Span (been with us from Day one) 
• MarksMan 
• RJR Gleaner Group 
• Kingston and St Andrew Corporation ​

CHARITIES

• Alpha Boys Institute
• Open Arms Development Centre
• Marie Atkins Night Shelter          
• Food for the Poor 
• Missionaries of the Poor 
•  

Donations are accepted at https://www.kingstoncityrun.com/v2/charities/