Sagicor, SVL, Wisynco, Ministry of Sport to the rescue
Published:Tuesday | July 11, 2023 | 12:10 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
Three private sector companies have joined with the Ministry of Sport to contribute a total of $9 million to assist the Reggae Girlz with travel expenses to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to August 20.
Sagicor Group, Supreme Ventures Limited (SVL) and Wisynco, under their WATA brand, will contribute $4 million while the Ministry of Sport will make a $5 million donation.
Speaking at the Jamaica Football Federation’s (JFF) head office in New Kingston yesterday, general secretary Dennis Chung pointed out that it will take more than $150 million to fully underwrite the expenses of the Reggae Girlz at the World Cup.
He disclosed that the majority of that sum will be funded by FIFA and the Bob Marley Foundation but pointed out that the contributions of their other partners remain important.
“Every little thing matters for us,” Chung said. “For these corporate persons to come on board, in addition to the sponsors who came on recently, we are really appreciative. So if every company gave us a small amount, it would add up.”
“The Girlz are currently in Australia. All of them are there and we did it without any GoFundMe support. FIFA funded a significant amount of the travel and the Bob Marley Foundation has been instrumental is assisting us financially and for logistic support.
“This (contributions from SVL, Sagicor and Wisynco) was specific to the Girlz and their travel cost. The Ministry of Sport gave $5 million and between the three sponsors they came up with $4 million. But it is significant that we (urgently) called them and they responded in a day or two.”
He admitted that the Girlz were not fully satisfied with some arrangements and that it led to the JFF needing substantially more financial support to meet their demands.
“We are proud that Sagicor has come on board, as well as SVL along with Wisynco in this particular case. On this occasion we had a situation, where we had booked some tickets for the Girlz and they wanted some upgrades and we called on these three companies and they immediately jumped in.
“I want to also mention the Ministry of Sport. When we called them the response was they didn’t have the money but let’s see what we can do and they actually came up with $5 million. So we are very appreciative because it is a lot of money. The travel bill alone to Amsterdam and back is more than $100 million,”Chung said.
He added that other sponsors will be coming on board and they should be finalising some of those partnerships this week and he is hoping that more support will come in to help ensure the Girlz get all they need to have the most successful World Cup possible.
“The Reggae Girlz have made history and we want to ensure they are as comfortable as possible. Travel to Australia and back is over $100 million. Then you are talking about hotel cost, per diems, match fees and other logistical costs,” he said.