IN A bid to further enhance Jamaica’s track and field programme, Supreme Ventures Limited yesterday pledged $25 million over five years to governing body Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA).
Kamal Powell, head of marketing at Supreme Ventures, said while track and field continues to be a pillar in Jamaica’s sporting heritage, it was important for Supreme Ventures to continue to show their support to the administrative body and the athletes.
“Track and field is the bedrock of sports and sporting development in Jamaica, and that’s why we are part of this. We want to continue on that, as the athletes have contributed so much to the moral value of Jamaica for many years, and they continue to give endlessly and fly the Jamaican flag across the world,” he said.
It will go a long way in assisting us to pay our bills. We are very appreciative of it. It is also a testimony of a company that believes in Jamaica and is giving back through the sport of track and field,” he stated.
Gayle said the already solid relationship between Supreme Ventures and the JAAA meant discussions and coming to agreements were also easy.
“We’ve always had an excellent working relationship and, when they reached out to us, it wasn’t difficult for us to sit and work out all the challenges, which we’ve already done,” said Gayle.
Later today, Jamaica’s junior and senior athletes will begin trials for the upcoming Paris Olympics and World Under-20 Championships.
According to Gayle, the preparation phase has ended and it’s now down to the athletes to get the show running.
“We believe that we’ve put enough things in place from a technical standpoint to ensure the conduct of the event is of World Athletics standards and that our athletes now are only left with going out and doing what they’ve prepared for all these months.
