We applaud those corporate entities that have remained committed to the broad-based development of sport in Jamaica, despite the tough economic times.

However, this newspaper is also disappointed with those who have paid nothing but lip service to sport, despite the glory it has consistently brought to the nation.

Truth be told, there are some prosperous companies which have exhibited nothing more than bark over bite. We join those who have become disenchanted with unfulfilled promises. We believe it’s full time for corporate Jamaica to talk the talk and walk the walk in relation to the funding of sport.

We take particular note at this time of our Under-17 footballers who have commenced a three-week training camp in Sao Paulo, Brazil — with a plan to extend it for an additional three weeks.

This crucial exercise aimed at preparing the Young Reggae Boyz for the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying tournament in western Jamaica next February, comes at great cost to an already cash-strapped Jamaica Football Federation.

Its general secretary, Mr Horace Reid, tells us it will require $15 million to underwrite a six-week stay in Brazil. Mr Reid says that “this is a lot of money as our cash flow is very precarious at this time, but we have been having excellent co-operation with our creditors, including our travel agency”.

Mr Reid is an optimistic man and believes that a promise from Government through minister of sports Miss Olivia Grange will materialise in assistance for the U-17s.

He is also upbeat that promised corporate support will flourish in time to take care of the business end of the costly exercise.

For the sake of all, we hope so.

On the bigger picture, there’s endless potential for the economy of the already vibrant north coast tourist strip from the February 12-28 tournament set for Catherine Hall in St James and the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium.

Corporate Jamaica, particularly those companies associated with tourism, should be able to see the tremendous potential in supporting this event which will be beamed by international television networks to markets considered prime targets for Brand Jamaica.

With that in mind, plus the quest for qualification to yet another Under-17 World Cup, the JFF has this newspaper’s full backing, whatever the costs, in having the teenaged team in the land of five-time senior World Cup winners.

They must return home better equipped with the priceless exposure and experience they would have gathered. Additionally, having the benefit of first-class facilities to train and play should put them on par with Trinidad and Tobago and Guatemala with whom they have been grouped.

The four top finishers of the 12-team championship will join host Mexico in the 2011 FIFA Under-17 Youth World Cup.

We have here a grand opportunity to get another team to a World Cup Final, and to showcase the beautiful side of our island to the world out there. Let’s not make a mess of it.