Adrian Frater, News Editor
Oniel Brooks (left) of Guardian Life, presents the company's $500,000 sponsorship cheque for the St. James Division Two football competition to Lennox Wallace (right), president of the St. James FA, in a special ceremony in Montego Bay on Monday. - PHOTO BY ADRIAN FRATER
WESTERN BUREAU:
GUARDIAN LIFE has increased its sponsorship of the St. James Football Association (StJFA) Guardian Life Division Two football competition from last year's $430,000 to an all-time high of $500,000 for the 2006 season, which kicked off last Saturday with a double-header at the UDC field in Montego Bay.
Prior to handing over the sponsorship cheque at a special ceremony at Guardian Life's Montego Bay offices on Monday, Oniel Brooks, the company's Western Regional branch manager, said the company had no regrets about its involvement with the competition and was looking forward to continued sponsorship for many years to come.
"We are always looking for ways to give back something to the community and this competition represents an ideal opportunity to do so," said Brooks as he gave his blessing for the new season. "As long as the players continue to be disciplined, the FA can be assured that they will continue to get our support."
In accepting the Guardian Life cheque, Lennox Wallace, president of the StJFA, said the fact that the company continues to increase its sponsorship each year spoke volumes for its commitment to the parish's football. He promised that every effort would be made to ensure that the company got the best possible mileage for its support.
VALUABLE PARTNER
"We are going to do everything in our power to ensure that your good name is protected as we see Guardian Life as a valuable partner in our bid to build St. James football," said Wallace. "To that end, we will be asking the players to strive for the highest level of discipline and sportsmanship."
The competition, which features 16 teams divided into two zones, has the teams zoned as follows: Zone A: Assenders, Blazers, Genesis, Square United, Stonehedge, Survivors, Upsetters and Wales Pond. Zone B: ACS, Cornwall Courts, Fire House, Paisley, Police, Real Madrid, Rosemount Gardens and Salt Spring.
On Saturday, in the two Zone B opening games, Real Madrid and Police finished 0-0 and Salt Spring and ACS ended 1-1. On Sunday, Wales Pond clipped Square 2-1 and Survivors hammered Genesis 4-1 in Zone A games while Upsetters thrashed Blazers 6-1 in Zone B.
