Sponsors Donate $8.8 Million for Carifta Swimming Championships

Jamaica's staging of the 2013 Carifta Swimming and Water Polo Championships has received a major boost, with sponsors providing an additional $8.8 million.

Major sponsor, Petrojam Limited, yesterday (March 7) presented $7 million to the Amateur Swimming Association of Jamaica (ASAJ), during a press conference held at the National Stadium Aquatic Centre (Stadium Pool) in Kingston.  

These funds are to assist with underwriting the cost for the renovation of the Stadium Pool facilities, where the event will be held.  

CAPRI Sun, and CGM Gallagher Insurance Brokers Jamaica Limited, also handed over $1.2 million and $570,000, respectively, which will go towards other expenses, such as transportation and meals.

Expressing gratitude for the donation, President of the ASAJ, Martin Lyn, said the additional money now brings the organisation closer to its target of $15 million for the staging of the event scheduled for March 30 to April 3. The donation puts the organisation just $2.5 million short of its target, with $12.5 million already in hand.

Mr. Lyn said he is particularly grateful for the donation from Petrojam, which he said,  is "the largest single amount aquatic sports has ever gotten in terms of one sponsor", and it indicates to other sponsors that they need to come on board to help with the development of the sport.

"When sponsors such as Petrojam come on board, they send a strong signal that aquatics is not only important to our country's sporting image but to the development of our youth. It is with sponsors like this that we will certainly be able to represent and compete at the highest level worldwide," he stated.

In response, Human Resource Manager, Petrojam Limited, Andrea Bent, said the company is of the firm belief that the development of sports is critical to national development.

"We believe in fostering the growth and development of the nation's youth by providing opportunities that can unearth and cultivate current and future talent. This is what forms the basis of this donation," she stated.

During the press conference, a 34-member team was named to represent Jamaica at the upcoming games, which the ASAJ believes, will improve on the country's 5th place finish at the last CARIFTA games.

This is the 5th time in 28-year staging of the event, that Jamaica will be hosting the championships. Another event, Open Water Swimming, will be introduced this year.

Other sponsors include: Island Grill, Digipoint, Romans, YSpeedos, Tastee Ltd., Sports Development Foundation, Brumalia House, Edge Chem, and Jamaica Money Market Brokers.