Puma donates equipment to Mona, Jose Marti

Two of the island’s smaller high school track and field programmes, Mona High and Jose Marti Technical High, received a boost for the upcoming season, as sportswear manufacturers Puma made donations of running shoes and spikes to officials from both institutions, at the offices of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) yesterday.

Mona’s head coach Samuel Brevette and vice-president of Jose Marti’s Past Students’ Association, Gary Mendez, received the items from former Jamaican athlete and manager, sports marketing central at Puma International, Juliet Campbell.

Recently elected JAAA president, Garth Gayle, was also in attendance.

Campbell shared that the donation was a continuation of the company’s long-time commitment to supporting smaller schools across the island.

“This is something we have been doing over a period of time but, apparently, it has not been known that we have been doing this outside of the traditional high schools we have sponsored. However, these smaller schools also need the help and we continue to take the initiative to help these schools, as athletes from these schools are doing well and they also need help,” Campbell told The Gleaner.

SHOWING COMMITMENT

Gayle was also very pleased with what he described as Puma’s demonstration of commitment to the sport in the country.

“I am elated and stand in unison with Ms Campbell and the Puma brand in offering assistance to these two schools, and I am sure this will go a far way in unearthing talent for athletics,” Gayle stated.

“The JAAA recently donated hurdles to some non-traditional high school teams and this is a continuation of our federation, with support from our international gear supply partners, to reach out to small schools and give assistance where it is needed,” added Gayle.

Both Brevette and Mendez were extremely thankful to Puma for the donation.

“I am happy for this kind gesture by Puma as this will go a far way in helping our student athletes, who really needed the help and this will really motivate them to work harder,” said Mendez.

Brevette added that the equipment will help his school to hold on to their talent, given their ability to now provide for them.

“This is really uplifting for the school and this will definitely go a far way in our preparation for the season. We will be able to hold on to our students, who will no longer be easily snatched away by the big schools, who try and offer them stuff, because we are now able to give them what they want and they will feel much more comfortable staying at the school,” Brevette said.

sports@gleanerjm.com