His Worship the Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew A. Swaby, JP, on Tuesday (January 7) met with President of World Athletics, Lord Sebastian Coe, as part of efforts to strengthen international partnerships to support Jamaica’s sporting sector following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

The meeting focused on the impact of the hurricane on sport, particularly track and field, and explored how global collaboration can provide practical support, technical guidance, and resources to assist affected athletes, schools, and communities across the municipality and the country by extension.

Lord Coe, who is on a World Athletics goodwill tour, thanked the Mayor for facilitating the visit and emphasized the importance of translating international engagement into tangible benefits for local sport development. He also highlighted the need to protect athlete development pathways, especially at the school level.

Discussions also included opportunities for collaboration through upcoming initiatives such as the 5K City Run, a fundraising event for hurricane relief, and increased municipal engagement in the National Senior and Junior Championships.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Garth Gayle, President of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA), The Hon. Ian Forbes, CD,JP 1^st Vice President and Custos Rotulorum of St. Andrew, along with other executive members

In welcoming the engagement, Mayor Swaby expressed appreciation for the continued support of international partners and the JAAA, noting that strong global relationships are essential to strengthening Jamaica’s sporting recovery and long-term development.

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