Patrons of the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletic Championships (Champs) 2025 witnessed a significant occasion on Saturday, March 29, as The Honourable Don Wehby, OJ, CD, recently retired Group CEO of GraceKennedy (GK), was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to youth and sports development in Jamaica.
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, The Honourable Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, OJ, CD, MP, presented the prestigious award on behalf of the Government and People of Jamaica, during the 2025 Grace Foods Champs halftime show at the National Stadium in Kingston. Wehby’s daughter, Stephanie Wehby, graciously accepted the award on behalf of her father, who was unable to attend due to illness. Also on hand to mark the occasion were, GK Group CEO Frank James, ISSA President Keith Wellington, and GK brand ambassadors and Olympic champions, The Honourable Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, OJ, OD, and Hansle Parchment, OD.
During the show, Grace Foods reinforced GK’s commitment to nurturing young athletic talent by presenting a J$1 million cheque to Mrs. Mullings-Douglas, Acting Principal of St. George’s College, Wehby’s alma mater. The donation in Wehby’s honour was presented by Tamara Thompson, General Manager of Grace Foods & Services and will support the growth and development of student athletes at St George’s.
Wehby competed as a hurdler at Champs whilst attending St George’s, demonstrating his early passion for sports and competition. Throughout his tenure as GK Group CEO, he continued to champion youth development and sports, firmly believing in the power of sport to foster discipline, nurture leadership, and create opportunities for young people.
A tribute video which opened the halftime show highlighted Wehby’s enduring legacy and the profound impact of his leadership on GK and future generations of Jamaicans. The show concluded with an electrifying performance by GK brand ambassador Ding Dong, featuring a special remix of his hit ‘Old Skool New Skool’ dedicated to Wehby, which energized the Stadium with a celebratory spirit.
Host of the halftime show, media personality Simone Clarke Cooper, delivered a heartfelt message to Wehby, saying, “Don, I know you are watching us tonight, I just want to say how much we love you; GraceKennedy loves you; Jamaica loves you. May you be forever blessed.”
Wehby has left an indelible mark on youth development and sports in Jamaica, and his recognition at Champs 2025 was a fitting tribute to his remarkable legacy.
