By Anthony Foster, Freelance WriterSUPREME VENTURES Limited has answered the call of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) by agreeing to a whopping $45 million three-year sponsorship deal for the country's premier cricket competition, the Super Cup formerly the Super League.
Supreme Ventures Super Cup teams, players and clubs can claim big financial rewards during the 2004 competition, which bowls off on April 17.
This was pointed out when details of the competition and the new sponsors were announced at yesterday's official press launch held at the Hilton Hotel's pool side.
This year's competition will be sponsored to the tune of $15 million. Immediately clubs will benefit from a $200,000 grant to help them prepare for this year's competition.
Brian George, president and chief executive officer at Supreme Ventures, said his organisation had identified an event which has national, regional and international importance.
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"It demonstrates our commitment to the Jamaica society, but it also demonstrates our commitment to young people, to development, to cultural integration, to healthy lifestyle and most of all excellence," George said.
The incentive does not stop at the $200,000 for the clubs as at the end of the season the fourth placed team will get $50,000, third $75,000, second $100,000 and first $150,000.
At the end of the preliminary matches, the top four teams will contest the semi-finals and the winners will play for the Michael Holding Trophy and $500,000, while the runner-up will pocket $250,000.
President of the JCA, Jackie Hendriks, was thankful for the boost.
"It's a very, very significant contribution to cricket," he said. "This is one of the biggest sponsorships that we have had."
