The Jamaica Table Tennis Association (JTTA) received a timely boost of $495,000 from the Ministry of Sports, through the Sports Development Foundation (SDF), during a press conference at the sports minister's office in New Kingston on Thursday.

The presentation was made by, Senator Warren Newby in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, and David Mais, chairman of the SDF. Receiving on behalf of the JTTA was its president, Keith Garvey.

The team will be representing Jamaica at the Junior Cadet Caribbean Championships that will serve off on the weekend in Barbados, in the Under-10 and Under-13 categories, both in singles and team competitions.

Senator Newby said that the presentation to the JTTA "is in keeping with the Government's plan to assist with the development of our sportsmen and women in all disciplines".

He noted that: "This contribution of $495,000 from the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, through the Sports Development Foundation, is a tangible demonstration of our committment to and belief in you."

The tournament is also looked upon by the JTTA as part of its development programme to prepare players for the 2016 Olympics.

Medal hopes

It has been over 23 years since any Jamaican player qualified for the Olympics. Stephen Hylton and Michael Hyatt hold that distinction, in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, United States.

The contingent of 17 players and four officials, including national coach Sandra Reitti, departs the island on Saturday morning at 11 o'clock. Myles Harrison, nine, and team captain, Ashley Lowe, 10, both of Hillel Preparatory, will lead Jamaica's medal hopes. Last year the team copped two bronze medals.