By Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer
President of the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA), Mike Fennell, right, makes a point at yesterday's press launch to announce Digicel's $5-million sponsorship at the Knutsford Court Hotel, New Kingston. Portia Simpson Miller, Minister of Local Government, Community Development and Sports (left) and Digicel's CEO David Hall (centre) look on. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer
DIGICEL JAMAICA answered the call of the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) by coming to the organisation's assistance with a whopping $5 million sponsorship yesterday.
In disclosing his company's four-year commitment at a press launch held at the Knutsford Court Hotel yesterday, Harry Smith, commercial director at Digicel, said the sponsorship covered Jamaica's Olympic effort in Athens as well as other competitions leading up to the next Olympics in Beijing in 2008.
"This is Digicel's way of empowering our athletes as they continue to work hard to keep Jamaica's flag flying high. Our country's greatest nature resource is our people and we at Digicel are committed to ensuring that our youth are given every opportunity to maximise their hidden and untapped potential," he pointed out.
BADMINTON PLAYER
Between 60 and 65 athletes will be sent to this year's Games, JOA president Mike Fennell said.
So far one badminton player, three swimmers and one shooting entry (wild card) are confirmed, which means most of the athletes will again be taken from track and field which will have its National Athletics Championships between June 25-27 at the National Stadium.
This year's Olympic Games budget is US$226,000 with an additional US$50,000 for the eight-day pre-Olympic training camp to be held in Germany.
In thanking Digicel for its sponsorship, Fennell said: "I wish to assure you (Digicel) that you have joined a partnership that will show to the world on one hand the depth of excellence of our athletes and on the other hand their commitment to Jamaica."
Meanwhile, Portia Simpson Miller, Minister of Local Govern-ment, Community Develop-ment and Sports, was also on hand to thank Digicel for its contribution.
INVESTMENT
In a special way of saying thanks, the minister said: "Your contribution, your investment here today will be an investment for the entire nation."
"It is important that we recognise any contribution made to sports is actually an investment in people, the greatest investment that can ever be made.
"We joyfully celebrate the good news that Digicel, as a conscious corporate citizen, has stepped forward with a most generous contribution to help keep the flame of the Olympics burning in Jamaica," Simpson-Miller said.
Digicel also announced that it will be joining forces with other telephone providers in Greece to make roaming available to Jamaicans travelling to the Games. The company will also provide all members of the team with a telephone.
