MONTEGO BAY, St James

The Police Area One annual sports day, scheduled for April 26, got a much-needed boost yesterday as Sandals

Resorts International (SRI) announced a $350,000 sponsorship for the event.

“Through donations such as this one, Sandals is ensuring that the partnership between tourism and the police remains in tact,” said Director of Resorts Standards Shawn DaCosta, at the SRI’s headquarters yesterday.

DaCosta said the sponsorship of the event forms part of the resort’s outreach development programme. He noted that over the years SRI has made tremendous contributions in helping to shape and build several communities across the island.

“Sandals will continue to support events such as these which provide some comic relief, and give the policemen and women an opportunity to put their athletic talents on show and take a break from the stress of their jobs. at least for a day,” he added.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Ryan Gayle accepted the cheque on behalf of the police.

“The fact that the company decided to support us shows that it is living up to its mission statement which speaks to adding a premium to the human resources,” said the ACP, adding that Sandals could have easily said ‘no’ to their request, given the several other community and business projects on the company’s books.

For the last 15 years, SRI has been a major sponsor for the annual event. Last year, the resort chain contributed $300,000 towards the staging of the event, which saw policemen from the parishes of Hanover, St James, Trelawny and Westmoreland competing for prizes.

The Area One Sports Day takes place at the Elliston Wakeland Sports Complex in Falmouth, Trelawny.

St James is the defending team champions.