The Jamaica Lacrosse Association (JLA) has successfully secured the rights to host the 2023 Pan-American Lacrosse Association (PALA) Sixes Cup from November 9-11, making Jamaica the first Caribbean island to host a regional lacrosse tournament.
The announcement was made by JLA President Calbert Hutchinson during a press conference held at the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) on Tuesday.
“I can confirm that the competition will come to Jamaica along with 12 other countries, which equates to 23 teams coming to Jamaica to engage in this explosive event, explosive sport called lacrosse, and Jamaica is right there at the top,” said Hutchinson.
The bid from Jamaica was backed by the JOA.
“They (JOA) came on board and sat with us and looked at all options and decided to put our bid in and it was successful,” said Hutchinson. “And with the infrastructure that exists with the Jamaica Olympic Association, the network that is there, we are expecting a seamless execution in terms of providing not just a lacrosse experience, but a holistic experience, where culture, food, and brand Jamaica are highlighted throughout this opportunity.”
JOA president Christopher Samuda aims to establish a business model to capitalize on sports and generate revenue for the country.
Samuda expressed satisfaction with the direction in which the association is heading, citing the PALA Sixes Cup as a positive example.
He praised the JLA’s business-oriented leadership, highlighting their understanding of the commercialization of sports while nurturing talent and providing opportunities for athletes to excel at regional and international levels.
The tournament, dubbed ‘Lacrosse Explosion in Jamdung,’ will feature men’s and women’s senior and junior teams from 13 countries, with over 600 athletes expected to participate.
Along with Jamaica, other countries participating in the tournament include Mexico, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Peru, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Argentina, Panama, Barbados, Colombia, the US Virgin Islands, and Haudenosaunee.
Proposed venues for the tournament are Sabina Park, St George’s College, and Wolmer’s.
