Claro connects with $13m towards U-17 tourney

Telecommunications company Claro pumped $13 million into the staging of the CONCACAF Under-17 Championships, the FIFA Under-17 World Cup qualifiers, which will be staged here February 14 -27.

The presentation was made by Claro's CEO Alejandro Gutierrez at a reception on Tuesday at the Terra Nova All Suite Hotel in Kingston, as things begin to take shape ahead of the highly anticipated tournament.

Of the 12 participating countries, Claro is a resident telecoms provider within six of those territories and the sponsorship will go a far way towards the tournament's budget.

Claro's media manager, Latoy Williams, was proud of her company's involvement with the tournament and was also excited with its partnership with the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF).

"It is with great pleasure that Claro announces its partnership with the Jamaica Football Federation in sponsoring the Under-17 CONCACAF World Cup qualification tournament, valuing J$13 million. Let this be yet another milestone on our continued journey with the JFF and we wish our Under-17 Reggae Boyz all the best on their journey to Mexico," Williams said.

Beneficial to team

Williams was also happy to point out the company's contribution to the Jamaica team, citing that a large portion of the squad have benefited and developed from playing in other Claro-sponsored leagues, particularly in Clarendon and the Corporate Area.

"Claro is honoured to be part of this venture and will happily mention that over 50 per cent of the members of the Jamaica Under 17 team have benefited from other Claro-sponsored leagues, including KSAFA (Kingston and St Andrew Football Association) and CFA (Clarendon Football Association)," Williams said.

Captain Horace Burrell, during his greetings and welcome remarks, expressed gratitude for the tremendous support received for the young team, which recently returned from a six-week training camp in Brazil.

"They will make us proud," Burrell sought to assure. "We must thank Claro for their Clarorific support."

Applauded

Sports Minister Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, who was also in attendance, applauded the telecoms company for its continued commitment to invest in the Jamaican youth and the generous donation made to the tournament.

"They (Claro) have come on board to make this a reality and success," said Grange. "Jamaica is looking forward to what will be a Clarorific and swaggerific occasion."

Haiti will face Costa Rica and Cuba will play the United States on the opening day of the Championship on February 14 at the Trelawny stadium.

Jamaica will bow into action on the second day of competition against Caribbean arch-rivals Trinidad and Tobago in Montego Bay, while Barbados will play Honduras.

The teams are: Group A - Costa Rica, El Salvador, Haiti; Group B - United States, Panama, Cuba; Group C - Jamaica, Guatemala, Trinidad & Tobago; Group D - Honduras, Canada, Barbados.