$2 million lift for CVSS Summer Games

The organisers of the Council of Voluntary Social Services (CVSS) Summer Games are expecting a very exciting day of activities at this year's 12th staging of the championships which is set for July 7 at the University of the West Indies Mona Bowl.

This year's championships will be held under the theme 'Feeling the United Spirit of Sport' and it has attracted more than 1,500 participants from 20 affiliate agencies.

The participants are set to compete in football, netball, basketball, track and field, and other traditional games during the one-day championships.

The Usain Bolt Foundation and the National Baking Company Foundation have both donated $1 million each to this year's staging of the championships.

The Usain Bolt Foundation's contribution is an increase of $500,000 over last year. Norman Peart, a board member of the Usain Bolt Foundation, said that the legendary sprinter is elated to be associated with the event.

Fifth year

"This is our fifth year, and the number of participants has increased a lot, and we figure more or less, that it is going to cost more because things have gone up. Hence, we have increased our contribution," said Peart.

Speaking at yesterday's press launch, which was held at the GraceKennedy head office in Kingston, Tanketa Chance-Watson, youth sector chair of the CVSS, said they are looking forward to a fun-filled day.

"We are expecting an exciting event because we are expecting more participants than last year and we are expecting voluntaries from right across the corporate world to come and be a part of this event," said Chance-Watson.

"This is in keeping with CVSS' mandate, which, in part, is to provide an avenue for the development of young, talented children through creative initiatives that will not only enhance their athletic skills, but assist with leadership skills and their holistic development," added Chance-Watson.

President of the Jamaica Olympic Association Christopher Samuda was the guest speaker at yesterday's launch.