PETROJAM Limited propelled the Amateur Swimming Association of Jamaica (ASAJ) to the tune of $7m ahead of the country's hosting of the XVIII Carifta Swimming & Water Polo Championships.

The competition is scheduled for March 30 to April 3 at the National Stadium swimming pool, which was freshly renovated at a cost between $6m and $7m. The young participants are set to compete in pool swimming, water polo and open water swimming. Both the boys and girls categories will see competition in 11-12, 13-14 and 15-17-year-old age groups.

The president of the ASAJ Martin Lyn, who announced that the local body is approximately $3m short of the desired $15m mark, said the investment from Petrojam epitomises the interest and commitment of the sponsors.

"This (sponsorship) is a strong signal to the development of aquatics and to the development of youth. The sponsors are really showing belief in the sport. All the sponsorship we get will help the swimming team, the water polo team, and also the synchronised swimming team.

"With just three weeks off the Championships we are very close to the $15m target and we are looking forward to successfully hosting the event," Lyn said at yesterday's sponsorship presentation at the Stadium swimming pool.

Petrojam's human resource manager Andrea Bent congratulated the association for its achievements over the years and said her company's generous gesture "affirms goodwill" and is indicative of the desire to "help make the Games a success". To the delight of those in attendance, Bent insisted that Petrojam Limited will continue to build a partnership with the ASAJ.

President of the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) Michael Fennell lauded Petrojam and other sponsors, including juice makers Capri-Sun and insurance company CGM Gallagher for partnering with the ASAJ, despite the tough financial condition in the country.

"It's not easy for sponsors in times like this so when they come on board it means a lot. There are so many high-profile events and sports that compete with swimming. It is excellent to see them now though nothing has been won as yet," Fennell said.

Squads: Girls — Anjuii Barrett, Annabella Lyn, Llori Sharpe, Jada Newell, Bryanna Renuart, Angara Sinclair, Annastazia Chin, D'Agaene Clarke, Abigail Lamey, Tiara Myrie, Zara Bailey, Breanna Roman, Danielle Boothe, Ivana Chang, and Leanne McMaster.

Boys — Nicholas Vale, Jesse Marsh, Sean-Douglas Gooden, Keegan Rose, Jordan Hines, Chay Stewart, Xavier Phillips, Bryce Butler, Barak Goren, Christian Alberga, Joseph Black, Cameron Anderson, Sidrell Williams, Timothy Wynter, Antoine Young, Cameron Chow, Matthew Lyn, Jason-Craig Burnett, Kevaughn Campbell.