Project GOLD's patrons are more than celebrity endorsers. They are former youth from Jamaican communities who made it — and who came back to ensure the next generation has the mentorship they needed.
Jamaica Sunshine Girls
Simone Forbes
A Jamaican sportswoman who represented Jamaica in no less than five sports — netball, volleyball, basketball, football and softball.
Forbes played netball with Jamaica U21 in 1998, before making her debut with the Jamaican national team the following year. She continued with the national team, winning bronze medals at two World Championships (2003, 2007) and at the Commonwealth Games (2002). She also won a silver medal at the inaugural World Netball Series in 2009, followed by a bronze in 2010.
As a founder and patron of Project GOLD, Simone brings firsthand understanding of how sport can transform lives — and how the right environment at the right time can turn potential into excellence.
"We must continue to encourage our young people to never stop believing in themselves; we all have a story … we are responsible for how it's told!"
West Indies Cricket Team
Christopher Gayle
A Jamaican cricketer and former captain of the West Indies, widely acknowledged as the most destructive T20 batsman in the history of the game.
Gayle captained the West Indies' Test side from 2007 to 2010. Considered one of the greatest batsmen in limited-overs cricket, Gayle has set and broken numerous records across all three formats of cricket. He is the only player to have hit a six off the first ball of a Test match and a century off 30 balls in T20 International cricket.
His support for Project GOLD reflects his belief that Jamaica's inner cities are filled with extraordinary talent that simply needs the right conditions to flourish.
"This initiative will help to unearth the talent that lies within youngsters who might be challenged by various socio-economic factors."
100m Sprinter
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
At 21 years old, she became the first Caribbean woman to win 100m gold at the Olympics (2008) — and the first woman in history to win 100m medals at three consecutive Olympic Games.
In 2012, she successfully defended her 100m title, becoming the third woman in history to win two consecutive 100m gold medals at the Olympics. After winning bronze at the 2016 Summer Olympics, she cemented her legacy as one of the greatest sprinters of all time.
Her journey from Waterhouse — one of Kingston's most challenging communities — to the Olympic podium is the living proof that Project GOLD is built on: talent + guidance = GOLD.
"Working hard is one thing, but believing in yourself is equally important."
Reggae Boyz (Jamaica)
Ricardo "Bibi" Gardner
A retired Jamaican footballer who represented Jamaica at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France at just 19 years old — and went on to a professional career spanning over a decade with Bolton Wanderers.
Throughout his career, Gardner served as a Samsung Ambassador and was a cornerstone of Jamaican football. After retiring from professional play, he dedicated himself to coaching the next generation — serving as Head Coach of the Jamaica U-20 men's national team and as an assistant coach at Harbour View Football Club.
His commitment to Project GOLD reflects his belief that the raw talent in Jamaica's communities only needs the right framework to flourish.
"There is an abundance of talent in Jamaica which can be cultivated with the necessary guidance, support and motivation."
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