By Anthony Foster, Freelance WriterTHE ST THOMAS Football Association (St.FA) had a million reasons to smile yesterday when Automotive Power Battery handed over a cheque valued at $1m to cover the running of its Division One competition for the 2002-2003 season. A portion of the sponsorship money - $121,000 - will go towards assisting the teams in purchasing gear, $31,500 will go towards trophies and medals and much of the remaining portion will be directed towards the running of the competition for payment of referees and match commissaries.
The competition kicks off on Sunday.
Automotive Power Battery replace long-serving sponsors, Goodyear who pulled out recently.
Making the announcement at yesterday's press conference held at the Jamaica Football Federation headquarters, New Kingston was Michelle Moncrieffe, sales & marketing manager of Automotive Power Battery Limited.
"We at Automotive Power Battery Limited, the dealer of Auto Power Battery have recognised the power of sports in nation building, she said.
Moncrieffe also said that their association with the St Thomas FA as sponsors of the Division One competition was an honour.
"As added sports enthusiast, Auto Power Battery is pleased today to make an initial presentation of $1m towards the competition, with a commitment of continued support to the development of football in the parish," continued Moncrieffe who added that discipline will be encouraged.
She also expressed the hope that this (the competition) "will encourage our young Jamaicans to channel their energy into positive values and attitudes".
"Auto Power Battery wants to establish itself as a corporate citizen, who is conscious of the need to establish the environment which promotes the healthy development of the mind and body.
"It is our conviction that football provides an avenue for corporate Jamaica to make a contribution to nation building,", Moncrieffe said.
Nine teams will take part in this year's competition. Among them are last year's Division Two winners Johnstown, Yallahs United, Bath Sports Club, Lyssons United, York United, Iyanti, Heartease, Prospect and Paul Bogle.
The competition will be played on a league format with teams meeting on a home and away basis. At the end of the first round, the top two teams on points will contest the end of round final with the winners taking home $10, 000 and three bonus points. The losers will get $5, 000 and one point.
At the end of the second round the top four teams on points will contest the semi-finals. The champions will receive $40, 000, second $20, 000, third $15, 000 and fourth $10, 000.
