Ruel Reid (left), president of the Jamaica Teachers Association (JTA), accepts the major sponsorship cheque valued at $2 million from Professor Errol Morrison, president and chief executive officer of Blue Cross of Jamaica Ltd. at the launch of the 23rd national All-Age and Junior High Schools Athletics Championships, at Blue Cross' Hope Road head office yesterday. - RICARDO MAKYN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER.
HEALTH INSURANCE provider Blue Cross affirmed their long-standing commitment to the national Primary, All-Age and Junior High Schools Athletic Championships yesterday.
Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, who is also the Sports Minister, has been chosen as Patron of the Games, while national stars Jermaine Gonzales and Holmwood Technical's Sonita Sutherland are this year's honorees.
Both were named among a list of outstanding athletes who participated at the meet in earlier years. Some of those named include world record holder for the 100 metres, Asafa Powell, Veronica Campbell and Sherone Simpson.
At the launch of the 23rd Blue Cross/Jamaica Teachers Association (JTA) Games yesterday at its Hope Road head office, Professor Errol Morrison, the organisation's president
and chief executive officer, announced a $2 million sponsor-ship for the meet that will take place at the National Stadium on May 18 and 19.
"For us at Blue Cross we view our sponsorship of the JTA National Primary, All-Age and Junior High Schools Athletic Championships as a long-term investment in national development," Professor Morrison said. "This is because we understand the developmental role that sports can play at the personal, community and national levels."
He further stated: "We remain commited not only to our sponsorship of these Games but also to the award of the Blue Cross of Jamaica Sports Scholarships to the champion boy and champion girl of each of these Championships. Each scholarship is valued at $15,000 per annum for five years."
The scholarship amount will not be given to the athlete, but disbursed to the institution where they graduate to and used for tuition purposes in the first five years of study.
Opal James of Fullerswood All-Age and Romaine Blake, also from a St. Elizabeth school, Bethlehem All-Age, were the respective scholarship winners last year. James, who is now in Grade 5, and Blake, in Grade 3, will again headline the St. Elizabeth challenge.
St. Andrew are the defending champions at the meet where all 14 parishes will provide representation. It was first held in 1962 and Blue Cross are title sponsors for the 19th time.
