SHAYNE FAIRMAN, STAR Writer

Colleen Pigeon, the government of Canada's political counsellor to the island, has lauded the Boys' and Girls' Athletic Championships as a vehicle for fostering sporting relations, as well as social and cultural ties between countries.

Pigeon spoke to STAR Sports following the launch of the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association GraceKennedy Boys' and Girls' Championships on Wednesday.

The highly anticipated 2015 spectacle will take place at the National Stadium, from March 24-28.

More than 200 schools will square off for the coveted titles.

With a wide audience set to watch Champs via the worldwide web, the Canadian diplomat views the event as an important cultural component, entertaining, and opportunistic.

"Champs is a great opportunity for us to get to engage a group of citizens that we don't get to see too often.

"It's a fun event and it's also one where we can spread the word and engage with youth populations in Jamaica," she told STAR Sports.

"There are so many champions that have come out of this event. I am sure that not only the large Jamaican diaspora in Canada will be watching, but so many relatives of Jamaicans in Canada and people who know people, or have visited the country (Jamaica), will be interested in the event," she said.

The high commission has returned for a second year as event sponsor.

It hopes to use the opportunity to expose Jamaican student athletes to co-curricular benefits in that country.

"We have excellent educational opportunities for many students, and Jamaica is a large market for students of our international programmes.

There are great opportunities for Jamaican athletes to continue their studies and continue their training in Canada," added Pigeon.

'We have excellent educational opportunities for many students, and Jamaica is a large market for students of our international programmes.'