NCB commits $12m to Olympians
National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCB) has committed $12 million to the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) over the next four years, to assist in preparing members of the Jamaica Olympic team for several regional and international games.
As the JOA's exclusive financial services provider, NCB's sponsorship will cover the local team's preparation for the 2012 Summer Olympics, London, England; XXII Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia; Youth Olympics Summer Games in Nanjing, China; XXII Central American and Caribbean Games in Vera Cruz, Mexico; and XX Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
"The 2012 Summer Olympics in London is expected to be special for Jamaicans for a number of reasons, not least of which is the anticipation of great success from our athletes during a year when Jamaica is celebrating its 50th anniversary as an independent nation and NCB is 175 years old," said Julian Patrick, sponsorship and promotions manager, NCB. "So, we at NCB saw it fitting to deepen our support for the Jamaican sporting infrastructure, of which the JOA is the fulcrum."
The JOA has responsibility for Jamaica's involvement in five regional and international games each year, which provide an opportunity for new, talented athletes to refine their craft and gain exposure at the international level.
"Jamaica's sporting capacity has the potential to be as strategic and lucrative to GDP as any other industry and should be afforded the requisite developmental priority and investment. Within this context, we laud NCB for stepping up to the plate and offering long-term and visionary support to the JOA," said Mike Fennell, president of the JOA.
While expressing appreciation to NCB for its support, Don Anderson, first vice-president, JOA, stated that they were honoured that the bank had taken the initiative to be the official financial partner of the JOA for the next four years.
"NCB has continued to support us over the years, and I know I can speak on behalf of past and future Jamaican Olympians in expressing our sincere gratitude for this well-needed financial assistance," said Anderson.