UTech targets $850m for massive sports programme

Ryon Jones,  Gleaner Writer

The University of Technology (UTech) is embarking on an elaborate programme, which sees them looking to raise in the region of US$10m (J$850m).

UTech, which is one of the most successful institutions in track and field, having produced a number of Olympic and world champions, is looking to improve in specific areas.

"We need to improve our facilities, we need to improve our ability to offer scholarships and we also need to improve our ability to provide a nutrition programme and a medical programme because athletes do get hurt," said Anthony Davis, UTech's director of sports and president of the Jamaica Intercollegiate Sports Association expressed, while speaking at the institution's 'Road to Olympic Glory' launch at the Wyndham hotel yesterday.

UTech has decided to target next year's London Olympics as the stage by which they want to raise the desired funds, as during this period the university will be most marketable.

comprehensive programme

"It is a comprehensive programme that we have embarked on and we think that the best thing to do is to use the 'Road to London' campaign, as the London Olympics is something where we will get maximum attention and therefore we can capitalise on this to garner enough funds to assist us," Davis said.

"We are hoping that we will achieve this as quickly as possible, but I think the momentum is going to lead up towards the Olympics and whatever is not achieved by the time, of the Olympics we will still have more time as it's an ongoing programme," he added.

The university hopes to raise funds through the marketing of their various programmes, sponsorship packages, merchandising their athletes, offering tours of the campus, increasing student numbers and also maximising the earning potential of the annual UTech Classics.

President of UTech, Professor Errol Morrison, encouraged corporate Jamaica to get on board as he believes that with their help the goals of the institution can be achieved.

corporate sponsorship

"We are encouraging corporate sponsors to partner with us because by getting in early and the opportunities that they will get for exposure worldwide through what we will accomplish, is one of the big ways in which the whole development of our sport ambitions here will be realised," Morrison said.

"It is a long-term plan, which will realise our final dream of a massive sports complex and supporting the memory and achievements of UTech in particular, and the country more generally, in the development of a sports museum and other facilities that will support the endeavour," he added.

Minister of Sports, Olivia Grange, was absent but conveyed her delight with the work of the university through a release read by Major Desmon Brown.

"I think all Jamaicans can be proud of UTech, an institution focused on development, always seeking and making use of opportunities to make a positive impact on society," Brown conveyed.