KINGSTON, Jamaica – Two rising Jamaican table tennis stars have punched their tickets to the singles draws at this year’s Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games, set to take place in the Dominican Republic, marking a promising milestone for the island nation’s table tennis development program.
Eighteen-year-old Azizi Johnson and 21-year-old Gianna Lewis earned their qualification berths through standout performances at regional qualifying tournaments, the Jamaica Table Tennis Association (JTTA) confirmed in an official statement this week. The association emphasized that the young athletes’ places at the games are no accident: both have dedicated months to rigorous daily training, fine-tuning their technical skills, refining match tactics, and building the competitive endurance needed to hold their own against the Caribbean region’s top players. For Johnson and Lewis, stepping onto the CAC Games court is more than a competition opportunity—it is a chance to represent Jamaica and showcase the depth of emerging talent growing out of the country’s youth table tennis ranks.
Behind the athletes’ success is a dedicated coaching leadership team, including national head coach Dale Parham and assistant national coach Colin McNeish. Beyond basic technical instruction, the pair have invested deeply in the athletes’ long-term growth, offering consistent mentorship, personalized strategic guidance, and emotional support that has helped Johnson and Lewis develop into confident, poised competitors ready to face the CAC Games challenge.
Johnson and Lewis are not the only Jamaican athletes heading to the regional games. The full national delegation also includes rising male competitors Brian Blake and Gmarco Smith, alongside female players Karecia Peterkin and Nevaeh Scott. Every member of the squad has contributed to building a cohesive, determined team, and their collective commitment to teamwork has strengthened Jamaica’s competitive standing heading into the tournament, the JTTA added.
JTTA President Ingrid Graham expressed overwhelming pride in the young athletes’ achievement, framing the qualification as a testament to both the players’ grit and the coaching staff’s unwavering dedication. “Colin McNeish and Dale Parham have been steadfast in their roles, offering more than direction. They have given belief, strategy, and confidence to these young athletes. The qualification of Azizi and Gianna is a reflection of a system that honours effort, care, and connection to our sport,” Graham said.
Aubyn Henry, the JTTA’s chief strategy development officer, echoed Graham’s positive outlook, noting that the qualification signals meaningful progress for table tennis across Jamaica. “Qualifying for a major regional competition is never simple. It’s the result of patience, preparation, and unwavering focus. Azizi and Gianna have shown a readiness to embrace challenges with poise and enthusiasm. What we are cultivating within the JTTA is a culture where every athlete can step onto bigger stages feeling capable and valued,” Henry explained.