‘Run for the West’
2026 Sagicor Sigma Run targets $150 million for Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts
Published:Friday | December 5, 2025 | 12:11 AMGregory Bryce/Staff Reporter
Forgoing its usual tagline of ‘Run for the Fun’, the 2026 Sagicor Sigma Corporate Run has adopted a new tagline of ‘Run for the West’ as they look to raise a target of $150 million to help the relief efforts in western Jamaica.
The 2026 Sagicor Sigma Corporate Run is set to be held on February 15, 2026.
At the event’s launch yesterday, Christopher Zacca, president and CEO of Sagicor Group Jamaica, said they recognised the urgent need to focus their efforts on helping those impacted in western Jamaica.
“I want to begin by acknowledging the deep and lasting impact that Hurricane Melissa has had on communities across Jamaica,” he said.
“The storm has left its mark on countless families, many of whom have lost homes, belongings, and the sense of security we often take for granted,” he continued.
“In recognition of the urgent need for support in western Jamaica, for the 20th staging of Sigma in February 2026, we have decided to focus on continuing rebuilding efforts.”
Zacca, who is also the chairman of the Sagicor Foundation, said the aim for the upcoming staging would be to help schools that have been severely impacted by the hurricane.
Five select schools – Hopewell High, Green Pond High, Little London High, Salt Marsh Primary and Mayfield Primary and Infant – will be the event’s beneficiaries.
Zacca also confirmed, recognising the urgency of the situation, that a portion of the proceeds would be distributed before the Sigma Run.
The 2026 staging is hoping to raise $150 million an increase on the $128 million they raised in 2025.
“Education and youth development has always been an important pillar for the Sagicor Foundation, where we have, cumulatively, invested over $250 million in our flagship youth and education programmes,” he said.
“With more than 600 schools being badly affected by Hurricane Melissa, it made our 2026 beneficiary selection fairly easy.
“Schools are safe spaces for children in many ways, so our target this year is $150 million, which will go towards repairing infrastructure and procuring much needed resources that were lost.”
In addition to the $150 million target set for the Sigma Run, the Sagicor Foundation has also donated a sum of $200 million towards relief efforts.
Of that amount, Zacca presented a cheque of $100 million to Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton, which will go towards clinic restoration in western parishes.
“Sagicor Group Jamaica, through the foundation, has committed $200 million to support recovery efforts, ensuring that both immediate and long-term needs are addressed,” he said.
“I am pleased to share that $100 million of our commitment will be allocated to the health sector to repair clinics in these parishes that have been badly affected by Hurricane Melissa.”
SIGMA RUN PATRONS
Reigning men’s world 100-metre champion Oblique Seville, former Cabinet minister Lisa Hanna and dancehall recording artiste Ding-Dong were all revealed as patrons and have pledged their support for the cause.
Nicole Campbell-Robinson, Sagicor Group’s vice-president, communications, digital media and CSR, said the three personalities were selected for their continued representation of Jamaican spirit.
“Each of them beam with national pride, having proudly represented Jamaica on their respective world stages, and they all exemplify what we stand for: tenacity, fun, excellence, hope, and the dedication to inspire.”
Having seen over 30,000 entrants for the last run, Campbell-Robinson has called on the Jamaican public to support the 2026 event.
She explained .that for those who are unable to take part, they can also support by donating to their fundraiser.
She said each person who seeks to help will play a major role in helping the recovery process in western Jamaica.
“We recognise that not everyone will be able to participate in the run, but there are still meaningful ways to support this cause,” she said.
“There are several ways to donate like direct deposits to the Sagicor Foundation, cheques made payable to the Sagicor Foundation Jamaica, online payments via our website, Sagicor Bank credit card points donation, or you can just visit our pop-up shops.”