Nigel (left) and Donovan Chen See (second left), directors of National Supply Company Ltd., present a cheque for $500,000 to members of the Urban Knights Basketball Club represented by (from right) first vice president Nigel Alexander, captain Andy Smith and president Gordon Porter. Looking on (centre) is Marlon Nattie, president of the Jamaica Basketball Association. - CONTRIBUTED
HAVING GOT off to a sensational start to the 2006 KFC/bmobile National Basketball season, Urban Knights received more good news on Sunday in the form of a half million-dollar sponsorship from long time supporters National Supply Company Limited.
The company, which has been affiliated with Urban Knights since they came up from the national division 1 league 10 years ago, points to the discipline and complete approach to develop players as the main reason for their continued interest.
"We believe in entering relationships not on the mezzanine, but on the ground floor where we can be active participants in their development," said director of sales and marketing William Chen See of his company's partnership with the team who last won the national title two years ago.
Off to a 5-0 start this season, the continued commitment of the industrial hardware firm was good news for club official Maurice Gordon.
"Based on our record we are a role model type of team. We haven't missed a game, we've never been late, and we've never had to deal with the disciplinary committee and it is important to have this kind of support," he said.
"It's a match made in heaven and they as a company have some of the same principles as we do, and we look forward to the continued development of our partnership," he said.
The Urban Knights were knocked out in the semi-finals of league play last year and also made it to the finals of the DHL knockout competition. The funds will be used for purchasing equipment and to help with administrative cost for the season, with about $100,000 expected to go towards promotions.
- K.M.
