Minister Grange presents cash award to Premier League Champion; young footballer to benefit

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Olivia Grange, has presented a prize of $2 million to the Premier League champions Harbour View Football Club.
The prize, donated by the Sports Development Foundation (SDF), is to assist with development projects at the club. Harbour View became eligible for the Government prize by winning the 2009/2010 Premier League season.
Making the presentation on Tuesday afternoon (Oct.26) to Harbour View General Manager, Clyde Jureidini, Minister Grange congratulated the Stars of the East on their victory last season and wished them the best in the current season.
Minister Grange said the timing of the presentation of the prize was affected by “a cash flow challenge” but that the “Government was committed to doing what it could to assist the development of the national football league.”

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Olivia Grange (right), having a few words with Jamaica Under 13 football captain, Martin Davis, on (October 26), at the Ministry, in New Kingston. Occasion was the presentation of an award from the Sports Development Foundation to Harbour View Football Club for winning the Premier League, and part payment to assist with the tuition fees of Martin.

Harbour View will use part of the $2 million prize to help with the expenses of one of its young players, 13 year old Martin Davis. The St. George’s College student will be relocating to Spain to continue his schooling and to participate in the football programme at the Spanish side Valencia.
Davis was one of the outstanding players at the Valencia Next Generation Camp, which was held in Jamaica in April. Kaya Beckford of Glenmuir also performed well at the camp and is desirous of moving to Spain to pursue a football programme.
Minister Grange said the SDF would award a grant of US$2,000 to assist Beckford. Minister Grange said the Government had a duty to help young people achieve. She emphasised the need for continuous partnership between the Government and Non-Government Organisations in human development.
“It is very heartwarming when Government can partner with NGOs, with the various football clubs and with parents, in ensuring that our young people are assisted in their development particularly when they are talented, when they have a particular skill that we can help to develop those skill by partnering and contributing to that programme of development.”
Tivoli Gardens Football Club were the first recipients of the SDF development prize after winning the 2008/2009 Premier League title.