JFF boss implores corporate Jamaica to follow Courts example
Published:Sunday | June 4, 2023 | 2:09 AMLivingston Scott - Gleaner Writer
THE JAMAICA Football Federation (JFF) has rekindled ties with furniture and appliance giants, Courts Jamaica Limited, who came back on board with over $2 million worth of sponsorship on Friday.
JFF President Michael Ricketts said it was good to have the entity back on board, and call for others to assist, especially with the Gold Cup and Women’s World Cup fast approaching.
“We want to say a huge thanks to Courts. It is just a coming back together because Courts had been on board for a while. We had lost them and now they are back and we are excited and very happy to be having Courts on board,” he said.
He pointed out that there were a multiplicity of events taking place and that the sponsorship arrangement will help to ease some of their burdens.
“There are a number of things that are presently happening. The Gold Cup and Women’s World Cup will be held almost simultaneously and we have 12 teams on either side of the gender constantly playing international competitions.
“So it is a challenge and a struggle and we need help and we ask corporate Jamaica to come on board,” said Ricketts.
The Courts sponsorship includes one industrial toaster, one regular toaster, kettles, two steam irons, a microwave, three computers, two blenders, 20 mattresses, a six-burner stove and over $1 million in cash.
PROFESSIONAL HELP
The 20 mattresses will replace some worn ones on the 54 beds at the UWI-JFF Captain Horace Burrell Centre of Excellence. Ricketts used the occasion and nature of the sponsorship to highlight the fact that the JFF was not only seeking financial and material assistance, but professional help as well.
He added that the items will add even more value and convenience to the centre, which has become more self-sustainable each day.
“The Guyana national team is there and they are happy and comfortable and that is what we want to use to market the facility, as the centre should be able to take care of itself,” said Ricketts.
Courts brand manager, Simone Mahabeer, said the company was motivated by the federation’s progress recently and saw the need to offer their support once more.
“We fell out of relationship with them but we have been inspired by the progress they have made as an organisation and as a team.
“You have the females are going to Australia soon and we saw it fit to come on board. And as time goes by we hope the sponsorship can get even bigger,” she commented.
“The JFF let us know that there were items that needed replacing at the UWI-JFF Captain Horace Burrell Centre and part of investing in our athletes is ensuring that they are comfortable. So when we saw their need, we felt compelled to make this contribution and we can’t wait to see further progress and to see them do better.”