Cable & Wireless Jamaica (C&WJ), on Thursday, announced a $3.15-million sponsorship of the Jamaica Badminton Association's (JBA) junior and senior programmes.

The funds will be used to underwrite the cost of the JBA's Schools League, Innercity Programme and the 2006 All Jamaica Open tournament. This marks the 15th year that Cable & Wireless has been a major sponsor of the JBA's main youth programmes and the 41st year of the company's involvement with the All Jamaica Championship.

In handing over his company's contribution, C&WJ's vice president, corporate communications and corporate affairs, Errol K. Miller said his company was extremely pleased with how badminton has progressed over the past 15 years.

He commended the JBA for its commitment and for the level of discipline that has become a hallmark of their programmes. Miller also said that there was little doubt that the standard of badminton in Jamaica has improved significantly and he hoped that with his Company's continued support this trend would continue.

Miller emphasised that his company was particularly impressed with the JBA's innercity thrust because it will provide another positive vehicle for the energies of the young people from these communities, which is in-keeping with C&WJ's philosophy.