Jamaica’s sporting future will take centre stage on June 29–30, 2026, when leaders from sport, business, tourism, government, investment, media, technology, education, and athlete development gather at the University of Technology (UTech), Jamaica, for the inaugural Made4Goal Jamaica Global Sports Summit.

The two-day summit is being positioned as one of the most ambitious sports industry gatherings ever staged in Jamaica, bringing together decision-makers and stakeholders to explore how the country can move beyond producing world-class athletes to building a world- class sports industry.

Organised by Absolut Ventures Limited, creators of the world’s first and only televised freestyle football reality show, the summit will focus on the opportunities that exist at the intersection of sport, tourism, investment, technology, infrastructure, media, health and wellness, youth development, and economic growth.

“Jamaica has already proven that we can compete with the best in the world,” said Alrick McKenzie, Founder and Summit Director of the Made4Goal Jamaica Global Sports Summit. “The next step is building the systems, partnerships, investment opportunities, and infrastructure that allow sport to become a stronger economic driver for the country. This summit is about bringing the right people into the same room to have those conversations and create meaningful outcomes.”

Simon Preston, who is a Sports Consultant, Analyst and Media Officer, says the summit represents a timely and necessary step in shaping a more structured future for Jamaica’s sporting sector.

“Jamaica has an extraordinary sporting brand, but the opportunity now is to build a stronger ecosystem around that brand. We have almost 50 sporting disciplines on the island and this is the perfect opportunity for the different disciplines to come together, learn from each other and move forward for a better Jamaica. Jamaica is number 8 in the World in Lacrosse, Number 3 in the World in Netball and we have the fastest man and woman alive, these are certainly points that can be used to help other sporting disciplines reach their potential, “said Preston.

 “The Made4Goal Jamaica Global Sports Summit creates a platform for serious conversations around athlete pathways, investment, infrastructure, technology, governance, tourism, and commercial development. If Jamaica is to fully maximise its global sporting influence, we must connect talent with opportunity, and this summit is designed to help lead that process., “ said Preston.

The summit will feature keynote presentations, fireside chats, panel discussions, workshops, networking opportunities, and strategic conversations involving sporting associations, athletes, corporate leaders, investors, tourism executives, policymakers and educators.

Key topics will include:

• Sports Tourism and Destination Development
• Athlete Development and Global Pathways
• Investment and Sponsorship in Sport
• Technology, Innovation and Data Analytics
• Women in Sports Leadership
• Sports Health, Medicine and Performance
• Media, Content Creation and Commercialisation
• Infrastructure and Facility Development
• Public-Private Partnerships in Sport
• Building Jamaica’s Sports Economy

A major feature of the summit will be the official unveiling of the Made4Goal Championship, a new football initiative designed to create greater opportunities for young athletes while showcasing Jamaica’s potential as a destination for world-class sporting experiences.

The championship forms part of the broader Made4Goal vision, which seeks to use sport as a vehicle for opportunity, development, inspiration, and economic empowerment.

The summit is expected to attract sporting associations, athletes, coaches, investors, sponsors, business leaders, tourism stakeholders, government agencies, educational institutions, media organisations, and international partners.

Organisers are encouraging stakeholders from all sectors to participate in what is expected to become a landmark event for Jamaica’s sporting and economic future.