$18.3 million budget for Champs
published:
Friday | February 22, 2008
Elton Tucker, Assistant Sport Editor
THE INTER-SECONDARY Schools Sports Association's (ISSA) budget for the 2008 GraceKennedy/ISSA Boys' and Girls' Championships is estimated to be a whopping $18.3 million.
Speaking in an interview with The Gleaner after Wednesday's official launch of the March 12-15 meet at the Knutsford Court Hotel, committee chairman Clement Radcliffe said the budget could go past $18.3 million as the association was yet to receive the final cost for some goods and services.
Security costs, which are likely to exceed $4 million, will take up a huge chunk of the budget. The police are to be deployed in large numbers at the four-day meet and Radcliffe said ISSA was responsible for their "well-being'' during the cham-pionships.
Tight security
"We do not pay them but we have to provide for their well-being, including refreshments while they are at the Stadium," he said. "We are talking about a significant number of officers; the figure could reach up to 400 on Saturday. Then, we have three security companies which we employ and, on the final day, they are likely to have have an average of more than 100 officers. So, when we tally this in both counts we expect to be spending over $4 million for security," the Glenmuir High principal said.
Douglas Orane, chief executive officer and chairman of title sponsors GraceKennedy Limited, said his company, which is in the second year of a three-year commitment, was delighted to be again associated with the event.
"We are doing this because it is an investment in the young people of our country and it provides a channel for them to become world-class [athletes]," the GraceKennedy CEO said.
GraceKennedy's sponsorship for this year's meet is worth $15 million.
Theme song
Orane introduced the GraceKennedy/ISSA theme song Hol' a Vibe, which will be used as the signature tune for Champs.
"We hope it will serve to raise the awareness in schools, especially in those that are not usually in the winners' circle," he said.
The song, written by Wayne Armond, Stewart Gaynor and Wi Dis, puts a strong emphasis on participation.
More than 2,400 athletes from 76 girls and 87 boys teams are expected to compete at this year's meet.
Also speaking at Wednesday's press launch were Dr Walton Small, president of ISSA, and Jamaica Amateur Athletic Asso-ciation president Howard Aris.
Cable and Wireless, Pepsi Cola Jamaica Limited and the CVM Group are associate sponsors of the event.
