Jamaica Basketball Association president Marlon Nattie (left) makes a point during yesterday's press conference. Beside him is Michelle Allen, country manager for Grace Kennedy Remittance Services. - Dennis Coke /Staff Photographer THE WESTERN Union All-Island three-on-three basketball competition got a financial boost yesterday with the announcement of increased sponsorship.
Prizemoney for this year's competition that shoots off on August 10 at the National Stadium has been boosted from $80,000 to $170,000.
The winning men's open team will pocket $50,000, the women's open winner $35,000, veterans (35 and over $25,000 and the under-17 boys $30,000.
A new under-20 category has also been introduced and this carries a purse of $30,000.
The grand final takes place on August 31 at the National Stadium and culminates with a dunk off and sharp shooters contest but there are five regional championships preceding that.
The first at the National Stadium on August 10, the second at the Hi-Lo parking lot in Mandeville on August 11, the third on August 17 at the St. James Parish Church in Montego Bay, the fourth on August 18 at Pier One in Ocho Rios and the fifth at Folly Oval, Portland on August 24.
According to Jamaica Basketball Association president Marlon Nattie, this year's championship is significant for two reasons.
"It's a summer league and allows many youths to get involved and as this was not a good year for the rural teams since there was no sponsorship for their league, it will provide them with an opportunity to stay competitive," he said.
Western Union is sponsoring the three-on-three competition for the second consecutive year.
