Blake donates $500,000 to Clarendon College

Reggae Boyz captain Andre Blake has committed $500,000 to his former school, Clarendon College, to renovate the football field at the school.

The donation was made in the presence of the principal and the daCosta Cup team at a handover event at the institution.

Blake’s contribution was made possible by the Sagicor Foundation and the Supreme Ventures Foundation. The money will go towards improving the school’s sports facilities, currently in need of renovation to host daCosta Cup matches and regular team training.

The initiative, kick-started by Clarendon College’s class of 1983 in collaboration with the alumni association, aims to raise additional funds through a GoFundMe campaign.

“The school’s field is in a poor state, which has prevented the hosting of daCosta Cup matches or facilitating team training for the past three years,” said Richard Palmer of the class of 1983. “Our aim is to swiftly restore the field, enabling future generations to enjoy using it and properly supporting our teams at Clarendon College.”

Blake emphasised the potential benefits for students. “Renovating this field is important, 11 daCosta Cup championship teams came through Clarendon College and it provided many with the resources to do well and so now, we give others the chance to nurture their sporting abilities here. This is a small gesture on my part, and I am grateful to Sagicor and Supreme Ventures for answering the call.”

Blake also urged others to contribute to the cause, “I encourage others to contribute as our alumni strive to raise US$100,000. This is a noble cause, let’s provide these children with a place to play, cheer, and develop in their chosen sport.”

This donation not only highlights Blake’s commitment to his alma mater but also reinforces Clarendon College’s legacy as a cradle for sporting excellence in Jamaica.

Kamal Powell, head of marketing at Supreme Ventures Limited, expressed enthusiasm about the foundation’s support.

“We are pleased to support Andre’s philanthropic effort, as one of Jamaica and Clarendon College’s icons and our JustBet brand ambassador. Through this donation, the SVL Foundation is not simply contributing to the restoration of a football field. We are nurturing the dreams of future sporting icons, and this partnership is a reflection of our shared vision for the development of sports in Jamaica,” Powell said.

Clarendon College, situated in Chapelton, holds the distinction of being the oldest school in the parish. The school has achieved remarkable success by winning the ISSA Boys’ Championships on three occasions, the daCosta Cup title 11 times, and the Olivier Shield six times.