SVL underwrites Girls, Australia 'Test's

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Supreme Ventures Limited (SVL) has pumped $1.7 million into next month's three-Test netball series between Jamaica's Sunshine Girls and the world's number-one ranked, Australia, which will be held at the National Indoor Sports Complex from January 12-16.

The three-match series, which has been dubbed the Supreme Ventures Sunshine Series, will see the first Test match on January 12, followed by the second game two days later. The final match of the series will be played on January 16.

Sonia Davidson, vice-president of group corporate communications at the SVL, who handed over her company's cheque to Marva Bernard, president of the Jamaica Netball Association (JNA), said SLV was committed to the development of sports in the country.

"As we at Supreme Ventures get ready to celebrate our 10th anniversary of operations in 2011, it is fitting that we continue our shiny relationship with the Jamaica Netball Association, a partnership that now spans eight years," said Davidson during yesterday's press launch, which was held at the Acropolis on Barbican Road in St Andrew.

Davidson added: "We are proud of the Sunshine Girls because we have also sponsored the Division A and C Leagues in the JNA and they are very well organised, and I know that Marva and her team worked very hard. I think that these girls put out a lot of sacrifice for Jamaica and they also do us proud every time they go abroad."

Important part of preparations

Bernard, in expressing gratitude to the SVL for its sponsorship, said the series is a very important one for the Sunshine Girls because it forms a very important part of their preparations for next year's World Netball Championships, which will be held in Singapore.

"Having this series at home is the first stop in the journey on the road to Singapore, and we must express our sincere appreciation for their support of our quest to be number one," said Bernard.

"The Sunshine Girls are the highest-ranked sports team in Jamaica, fourth in the world, and were bronze medal winners at the 2003 and 2007 World championships. They need to play the best to become the best," she said.

Bernard added: "Serious competition comes with a price, and sporting administrations need sponsors to assist in ensuring that their national teams get good-quality competition."