$5M needed for Lacrosse World Cup

Jamaica Lacrosse Association (JLA) vice-president Dwight Clarke says that the association is still seeking U$40,000 for airfare to travel to the country's first ever Lacrosse World Cup appearance in Netanya, Israel from June 12 to July 21.

Clarke noted that some players stand the chance of missing out on the event if they do not come up with the required sum by early June, while adding that he thought their historic qualification would have made the team more attractive to corporate sponsors.

"We have a sponsorship from Adidas already, but that sponsorship is only for apparel for the team and coaching staff. We have some money, but for things like travel and board, which is the most important thing. That is what is posing most of the problems for us," he said.

US$40K Airfare

"The airfare is about U$40,000 ($5 million) for us all to go to Israel. So some of the guys may not go," he added.

"We were late in asking for sponsorship ... sometimes they (companies) have budgets, and it may cause a strain on them unless they are going to pull from somebody else (another sponsorship) or they are willing to go into their coffers again. But everybody is saying they didn't budget for this event," he said.

Despite the disappointment regarding support thus far, Clarke is convinced that the team will be on the plane to Israel come June.

"We are disappointed to a point, but we still have time. Individuals have helped us, but individuals can't give us the sum we need for the entire trip, but we are going to make it. Just a matter of making things work out as best as possible for our representatives. We are working with people in the diaspora, and they are trying to raise funds," he said.