Thu | Sep 25, 2025

‘They are not alone’

Grange wants to increase public education to help ailing athletes

Published:Thursday | September 25, 2025 | 12:10 AMKaren Madden/Gleaner Writer
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Jamaica’s Assinie Wilson competes in the heats of the men’s 400-metre hurdles qualifiers on day three of the Tokyo World Athletics Championships at the Japan National Stadium, Tokyo, Japan, on Monday, September 15.
Gladstone Taylor/Multimedia Photo Editor
Jamaica’s Assinie Wilson competes in the heats of the men’s 400-metre hurdles qualifiers on day three of the Tokyo World Athletics Championships at the Japan National Stadium, Tokyo, Japan, on Monday, September 15.
Ian Forbes, Jamaica’s manager at the World Athletics Championships, is greeted by Olivia Grange, minister of culture, gender, entertainment and sport, after he arrived at the Norman Manley International Airport from the global meet on Monday.
Antoine Lodge
Ian Forbes, Jamaica’s manager at the World Athletics Championships, is greeted by Olivia Grange, minister of culture, gender, entertainment and sport, after he arrived at the Norman Manley International Airport from the global meet on Monday.
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A GAP in the public education programme is being blamed for some athletes not being aware of the financial assistance available to them.

Eyebrows were raised during the recently concluded World Athletics Championships when 400-metre hurdler Assinie Wilson disclosed during his post-race interview his preparations were hampered by a serious medical issue which requires surgery costing $2 million.

Wilson ended eighth in his heat in 49.91, way off his personal-best 48.36, which he chalked up to his health problems.

He said then, while he was medically cleared to compete at the World Championships, he would need the surgery after, but had not set a date because he did not know where the funds would come from.

It’s an issue The Gleaner put to Sport Minister Olivia Grange, who acknowledged that more public education is required to make athletes aware of the athletes’ health insurance plan.

The Jamaican Athletes’ Insurance Plan is a government-run comprehensive group insurance programme which provides health, life and personal accident coverage to eligible national junior and senior athletes.

The programme, supported by public funds, ensures continued coverage for injured athletes while on national squads and includes benefits for general health conditions and mental health services.

But it appears not all athletes are aware of the programme or their eligibility.

“There are a number of athletes that we are going to be reaching out to, based on things that have been brought to my attention and the fact that we must address those concerns. So, you know, the thing is this, even when we address those concerns we don’t publicise it, you know, because we need the athlete to maintain his or her self-esteem and privacy. But we will be reaching out to them, and we will be providing the support that they need. We want to assure them that when they are out there representing our country, they are not alone. So we are going to, of course, strengthen our communication, so they will be more aware of what is being offered. And we are going to build a stronger support system so that going forward, some of the issues that have been raised will be addressed,” said Grange.