THE Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) yesterday received a $20 million donation from the Supreme Ventures Foundation (SVF) to offset expenses in sending its athletes to the London Olympic Games.

The handing over was done during a brief ceremony at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel's Montego Suite and the funds raised through SVF's "Go for Gold" raffle promotion which began in April.

JOA president Mike Fennell, who thanked members of the public for purchasing tickets in the promotion, explained that the funds will be used to cover various additional costs which may arise, such as changing the dates of airline tickets for athletes who are travelling via different locations, and also help the JOA maintain pride and integrity in its operations.

"It's a great contribution. There are several costs involved and you can't predetermine all the costs. We had some additional costs which are not all determined at the moment; it's going to be a great help to us.

"We don't have to hustle around to second guess people and ask for favours; we can go out and pay for those services," Fennell stated.

Meanwhile, seven individuals who won prizes in the "Go for Gold" promotion were handed packages to attend the Games from SVF.

The winners — Raphael Sankara, Cohen Miller, Noel Gayle, Violet Francis, Everard Powell, Jermaine Nelson and Parker Philmon — each received packages worth $1.2m to travel to the Games between August 6-12. The packages cover return airfare, accommodation and tickets to the events.