NCB commits $12m to support Olympians

Thursday, February 09, 2012

NATIONAL Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCB) has committed a total of $12 million to the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) over the next four years to assist in preparing members of the Jamaica Olympic team for several regional and international games.

As the JOA's exclusive financial services provider, NCB's sponsorship will cover the local team's preparation for: the 2012 Summer Olympics, London, England; the XXII Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia; The Youth Olympics Summer Games in Nanjing, China; The XXII Central American and Caribbean Games in Vera Cruz, Mexico and The XX Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

"The 2012 Summer Olympics in London is expected to be special for Jamaicans for a number of reasons, not least of which is the anticipation of great success from our athletes during a year when Jamaica is celebrating its 50th anniversary as an independent nation and NCB is 175 years old. So, we at NCB saw it fitting to deepen our support for the Jamaican sporting infrastructure, of which the JOA is the fulcrum," said Julian Patrick, sponsorship and promotions manager for NCB.

The JOA has responsibility for Jamaica's involvement in seven regional and international games each year, which provide an opportunity for new talented athletes to refine their craft and gain exposure at the international level.

In responding to NCB's sponsorship announcement, Mike Fennell, president of the JOA said: "Jamaica's sporting capacity has the potential to be as strategic and lucrative to GDP as any other industry and should be afforded the requisite developmental priority and investment. Within this context we laud NCB for stepping up to the plate and offering long-term and visionary support to the JOA."

And, in expressing appreciation to NCB for its generous support, Don Anderson, first vice-president of JOA, said the Association was honoured that the bank had taken the initiative to be the official financial partner of the JOA over the next four years. "NCB has continued to support us over the years and I know I can speak on behalf of past and future Jamaican Olympians in expressing our sincere gratitude for this well-needed financial assistance."