On a bustling Monday at the University of Technology (UTech) Auditorium in Kingston, Jamaica, the Jamaica Table Tennis Association (JTTA) hosted the national finals of its 2026 Preparatory and Primary School League, bringing together over 200 talented student-athletes hailing from every corner of the island to compete for national titles.
The one-day event crowned champions across four team divisions, with Hillel Academy claiming the preparatory girls’ crown, AISK taking home top honors in the preparatory boys’ bracket. In the older primary school categories, Greater Portmore Primary secured the girls’ championship title, while Whitfield Primary and Infant School emerged victorious in the primary boys’ division. Beyond the standard division titles, the event also hosted a high-stakes Champions of Champions invitational bracket, where Hillel Academy repeated its winning streak to claim the female team trophy, and Whitfield Primary and Infant School held its ground to take the men’s team title.
Individual competition produced equally exciting results, with standout athletes claiming gold across the two age-group divisions. Alexandra Montaque of Greater Portmore Primary took the top spot in the Under-11 Girls’ singles draw, while Yashme Anderson of Whitfield Primary and Infant School claimed the Under-11 Boys’ singles title. In the older Under-13 division, Axys Johnson of Hillel Academy secured the girls’ singles crown, and William Lei of AISK took home the boys’ singles gold medal. A correction to initial reporting: the preparatory girls’ team title was awarded to Hillel Academy, not AISK as previously noted.
Ingrid Graham, president of the JTTA, opened post-event comments by praising the exceptional quality of play on display and celebrating the steady growth of table tennis at the grassroots level across Jamaica. “The JTTA Preparatory & Primary School League continues to highlight the exceptional talent within our school system. We are proud of every participant and encouraged by the continued growth of youth table tennis at the school level,” Graham shared in her remarks.
Graham added that the tournament serves a critical functional purpose beyond celebrating young talent: it acts as a national scouting event, identifying top emerging players in the Under-11 and Under-13 age groups who will go on to represent Jamaica at upcoming international championships hosted in Mexico.
Aubyn Henry, JTTA’s Chief Strategy and Development Officer, emphasized that the impact of the annual school league stretches far beyond the competitive table tennis court. “When more than 200 young Jamaicans compete and grow through sport, the impact goes far beyond the table. This league represents opportunity, growth and excellence,” Henry explained.
Lacey Gordon, JTTA’s director of sponsorship, extended public gratitude to the organization’s industry partners and sponsors, whose ongoing backing made the 2026 finals event possible. “Our sponsors and partners play a vital role in making this event possible, helping to create opportunities for young athletes to develop and showcase their abilities,” Gordon noted. In an official statement, the JTTA echoed Gordon’s thanks, confirming that sustained partner support continues to strengthen youth sport development across the country and expand access to competitive opportunities for young Jamaican athletes from all regions.