Gov’t Donates Millions to Sports Groups

Some 23 sports clubs and associations across the island have benefited from donations of cash and sporting goods valued at approximately $12.8 million.
Beneficiary groups included the Jamaica Swimming Association, which received the lion’s share of $2 million; Jamaica Rugby Association, Jamaica Surfing Association, Jamaica Badminton Association, Jamaica Volleyball Association, Jamaica Bobsleigh Association and the Jamaica Women’s Cricket Association. Among the clubs receiving sponsorship were Santos and Boy’s Town Football Clubs.
Local Government, Community Development and Sport Minister, Portia Simpson Miller, who made the presentation to the groups yesterday (Sept.15) at the Terra Nova Hotel in Kingston, explained that the contributions were intended to recognize and improve community and sports development in Jamaica.
“Sports development is very costly and sometimes the country does not understand the cost for keeping teams going. The Ministry would like to recognize the hard work of those who are trying to build at the national and community level,” she noted.
The Minister also called on the beneficiaries to spend their amounts wisely and operate with discipline. “Ensure that even the smallest contribution is used wisely in the interest of sports. It is also important that we reward discipline and we encourage you to keep it that way,” she urged. Meanwhile, Ian Andrews, Administrative Director at the Institute of Sports (INSPORTS) informed JIS News that the contributions were timely, as several of the institutions had been struggling to acquire sponsorship.
“Not a lot of high profile institutions are here as they have been able to generate their own capital due to the popularity of the sports. These institutions approached us for assistance in any way possible, whether cash or kind, and so this cash injection is very, very timely,” he pointed out.
Jamaica Swimming Association President, John Eyre told JIS News that the contribution was significant and has provided most of the $2.8 million needed to send Jamaica’s junior men’s water polo team to the 13th FINA Junior Championship in Argentina next month.
“This will go a long way in funding that team and as a matter of fact we will now be able to send the team and so we are very happy for the contribution,” Mr. Eyre said.