Nicole Marshall-WalkerFOR THE third consecutive year, the Jamaica Broilers Group will be the title sponsors of the Old Harbour Primary School Basketball League.
Sponsorship which now stands at $300,000 represents an increase of $100,000 over last year, and will allow the organisers of the league the Old Harbour Basketball Association to, for the first time, award a cash prize of $20,000 to the winning school, in addition to the Jamaica Broilers Trophy.
In addition, the sponsorship funds will offset the cost of gear for the 18 participating schools in this year's competition and assist with administrative expenses.
This announcement was made recently by the Public Relations and Training Officer for the Jamaica Broilers Group, Nicole Marshall-Walker, at the opening ceremony for the 2006 staging of the Jamaica Broilers Primary School Basketball League, held at the Auld Circle Villa, Marlie Mount, St. Catherine.
CONTINUED SUPPORT
In pledging Jamaica Broilers Group's continued support, Mrs. Marshall-Walker praised the outgoing programme co-ordinator and past president of the Old Harbour Basket-ball Association, Robert Ramsay and his team for having done a good job in engaging the young people of Old Harbour in meaningful recreation. Mr. Ramsay has resigned as programme co-ordinator and president, making way for a new executive headed by Rohan Paulwell.
"We are convinced that this programme has made a significant impact on their lives and has given them a sense of direction," Mrs. Marshall-Walker said.
The Jamaica Broilers Group's representative acknowledged the sacrifice and dedication of Leo Martin of the Bros Basketball Club of Canada, who has attended each year's play off to scout for the 15 top players. The outstanding basketball players from each year's event are invited by Bros Basketball Club of Canada to visit that country and participate in friendly matches to further hone their skills. Also in attendance at the function were representatives of the 18 participating primary and all-age schools in the 2006 league, sponsors, the Canadian High Commission, Bros Basketball Club of Canada and the Jamaica Amateur Basketball Association, who paid tribute to Mr. Ramsay for his hard work and dedication to the growth and development of basketball in Old Harbour.
EXCITING PROGRAMME
In bringing greetings on behalf of the Jamaica Amateur Basketball Association (JABA, president Marlon Natty described the Jamaica Broilers Primary School Basketball League as an exciting programme, because it is taking place outside of Kingston, where most of the sporting activities are held.
The 2006 League begins on May 1 through to May 12 with six schools playing in three zones. The quarter finals is set for May 15 and 17, while the semi-finals and finals will take place on May 19. The May 15 to 19 finals will be played at the Jamaica Broilers Group Court at Spring Village, St. Catherine.
