Jamaica Hosts Link-Up Festival to Boost International Draughts Participation

Falmouth Square in Trelawny buzzed with activity as the Jamaica Draughts Association (JDA) hosted its Link-Up Festival, a vibrant event designed to unite players, administrators, families, and supporters. In partnership with the Trelawny Massive Draughts Club, the festival transformed the public square into an arena celebrating strategy, friendly competition, mentorship, and national pride.

Draughts, or checkers, holds a significant cultural place in Jamaica, with several distinct forms. While the popular 8x8 version is widely known, the JDA is actively working to connect Jamaica's traditional game with the international draughts community. Rather than abandoning the generational game, the association is using it as a foundation to introduce players to new disciplines and create clear pathways from local competitions to international arenas.

The festival prominently featured both the traditional Jamaican 8x8 game and the 10x10 draughts, a format popular worldwide. This dual presentation allowed attendees to witness the evolution of the sport and understand its international reach. The event was part of the JDA's official program and received sponsorship from Karnack Hardware. However, the day's success was largely attributed to the Trelawny Massive Draughts Club, whose members fostered an inclusive atmosphere where seasoned champions and aspiring players could interact and compete.

This community-club partnership is a cornerstone of the JDA's strategy for expanding the sport across the island. The strong presence of JDA leadership, including President Jermaine Delattibudiere and First Vice President Mikoyan Robinson, underscored the administration's commitment to moving beyond traditional championships. Their focus is on community engagement, youth development, international participation, and increasing the sport's visibility. This dedication is further evidenced by Jamaica's successful bid to host the 2028 Pan-American Draughts Championships, an event expected to draw top players and international delegations to the island.