KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ) has renewed its support for the Jamaica International Invitational Meet (JIIM) with the unveiling of a $15 million sponsorship package for the staging of the competition over the next three years.
The sponsorship deal will see an initial allocation of $5 million for this year’s event which is scheduled forMay 9 at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica. Equal amounts will be allotted for the meet to be held in 2016 and 2017.
The support comes as Jamaica’s track and field athletes prepare for three consecutive years with crucial competitions starting with the IAAF World Championships scheduled for August 22 – 30, 2015 in Beijing, China. The Beijing Champs will be followed by the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and the 2017 World Championships in London, England.
The JIIM will serve as a vital pillar in the preparation of Jamaica’s athletes for these international championships. It will give local athletes exposure to elite level competition and afford them the chance to test their skills at an IAAF World Series event without leaving the country.
The meet will also further the Government of Jamaica’s drive to position Jamaica as a choice sporting destination and should generate positive international exposure for Jamaica’s national sporting programmes.
The PCJ’s Manager, Information & Corporate Affairs, Camille Taylor said, “With this three year sponsorship package, the PCJ is not only sponsoring a track meet, we are supporting the development of Jamaica’s sporting talent and the advancement of our national sports programmes.”
“Sports is no longer just about recreation, it is a major international industry which offers limitless opportunities and we want to help to position Jamaica to fully exploit the natural and historical advantages we have in this arena,” she added.
Chairman of the JIIM Dr. Warren Blake said, “Last year, the PCJ responded to our request for sponsorship which ensured a wonderful 2014 event. This multi -year partnership speaks volumes about their commitment to Jamaica and Jamaican athletics and we are definitely grateful."
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| Vice Chairman of the Jamaica International Invitational Meet (JIIM) Organising Committee, Ludlow Watts (far left) enthusiastically expresses his gratitude to Camille Taylor, (centre) the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica’s (PCJ) Manager, Information & Corporate Affairs as she hands over a symbolic cheque to mark the PCJ’s pledge of $15 million in sponsorship for the staging of the meet over the next three years. The first allocation of $5 million will be made available for this year’s meet which is scheduled for May 9 at the National Stadium. The presentation was made on Friday (April 10) at the PCJ’s Head Office in New Kingston. Also on hand to accept the contribution were Organising Committee Chairman, Dr Warren Blake, (second left) Meet Director, Donald Quarrie (far right) and Garth Gayle, Director. |
