JNA leagues get Supreme boost

Supreme Ventures Limited (SVL) has once again increased its sponsorship ahead of this year's staging of the Jamaica Netball Association (JNA) Division A and C Leagues to the tune of $4 million, up from the $3.65 million figure last year.

The announcement was made on Saturday at the opening ceremony and rally for the Supreme Ventures Division A and C Leagues, held at the National Indoor Sports Centre (NISC). The leagues, which have been sponsored by SVL for the past eight years will see Division A receiving $2.4 million, while Division C will receive $1.6 million in sponsorship.

Sonia Davidson, vice-president, group corporate communications of SVL, while speaking at the function, also pointed to the company's determination to have an effect on the participant's educational development.

"In addition to the $4-million sponsorship, SVL will also offer six scholarships - three each to Division A and C - valued at $450,000 up from $400,000 last year, to eligible young women who have performed outstandingly in the leagues, and who are attending an approved educational institution in Jamaica."

Scholarships

The scholarships for Division A are: $120,000 to be presented to a member of the winning team; $60,000 to the second-place team and a third-place team member receiving $50,000. In Division C, $100,000 will be offered to a member of the winning team; $70,000 to the second-place team and $50,000 to a member of the third-place team.

Davidson added, "This amount brings SVL's total contribution to both Divisions to just over $4.4 million."

Delighted

JNA president, Marva Bernard, was clearly delighted with the continued support.

"Netball continues to feel extra special as a sport, as each year we are beneficiaries of the generosity of Supreme Ventures Limited. Additionally, we have taken special note of your increased sponsorship this year, in spite of the fact that you have pumped so much money in other areas of the Association's operations in recent times, and plan to do so again in April as title sponsor of the England Series."

Bernard further added that based on the increased sponsorship, the JNA will in turn increase the prize monies for this year's competitions.

Over the years, the SVL/JNA Division A and C Leagues have resulted in all-round competitiveness and this year will be no different, as the leagues have attracted a record number of 39 teams; 17 in Division A and 22 in Division C.

The teams competing in Division A are Alexander Striker's 'A', Alpha, Arnett Gardens 'A', Blades United 'A', Ebony Strikers 'A', Friendship, GC Foster 'A', Jetsetters 'A', Maxfield Park, Molynes United 'A' and 'B', Police 'A', Raven 'A', Rivoli United 'A', Skibo 'A', Speg 'A' and Tivoli 'B'.

While the teams in Division 'C' are Alpha 'B', Blades United 'B', Boulevard Baptist, Claremont Heights, De La Vega, Duhaney Strikers 'A', Duhaney Strikers 'B', Greenwich 'A' and 'B', Hagley Park 'A' and 'B', Liguanea United 'A' and 'B', Maxfield Park 'B', Molynes United 'C', Progressive Strikers, Ravens 'C', Rivoli United 'B', Skibo 'C', Spanish Town Striker's and Upper Camp 'A' and 'B'.

The SVL/JNA Division C league will officially 'shoot' off tomorrow, with eight sets of games while the SVL/JNA Division A league will commence on February 24.