SCOTIABANK has continued its trend of encouraging youngsters to engage in sports by unveiling a $3 million sponsorship deal at Tuesday’s launch of the 2012 staging of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA)-organised Prep School competition at the Police Sports Club on Elletson Road.

The fifth staging of the competition, which is endorsed by the Jamaica Independent Schools Association (JISA), will see a total of 45 schools competing for the Maurice Foster Trophy, which is named after the former Jamaica and West Indies batsman.

Lannaman’s Prep are the reigning national champions, while Mona won the title in 2010.

JCA president Lyndel Wright stressed the importance of Scotiabank providing the support for aspiring young male and female cricketers to get the chance to learn the sport and enhance their skills.

“I’m happy that the JCA and Scotiabank can continue in this partnership that we hope can allow us to see more stars like Maurice Foster, Michael Holding and Chris Gayle. It is significant that Scotiabank remain on board and continue to strengthen this competition,” he said, while adding that this year’s top player will be a guest in the President’s Suite at Sabina Park for an international fixture against the touring New Zealanders.

National senior team captain Tamar Lambert, fresh from leading Jamaica to a historic fifth consecutive hold on the regional four-day title, advised the young listeners to have fun but always try to “be a winner”.

“This is the level where it also started for me and I’m asking that when you play you give it your all, play to your best, have fun and be a winner. As a youngster I always wanted to be a winner.

“It is good that the kids have this opportunity to show their skills and I commend Scotiabank,” Lambert said.

Monique Todd, vice-president of marketing, public and corporate affairs at Scotiabank said her company is committed to the cause and lauded the local body for their work in developing cricket in Prep schools.

“I’m convinced about the effectiveness the programme and it is part of our plan to develop cricket, football and netball across the island. Scotiabank is absolutely proud and happy to partner with the JCA. I want to thank the JCA for working with us over the last five years and for the work they have put in to develop the programme.

“I want to encourage all the participants to maximise this important opportunity and to take full advantage,” she said.

During the preliminary rounds, teams are placed in eight zones across the three Counties; Surrey, Cornwall and Middlesex. The winners of each zone will then clash in a knockout phase to determine the County winner.

The three champions will be joined by the Surrey runners-up for the national semi-finals, before the two winners challenge for the top prize.

Matches are limited to a scheduled 25 overs per side.

In the season’s opener on Tuesday, Lannaman’s defeated Vaz Prep by 51 runs at the Police Sports Club.

In other matches on Wednesday, Wolmer’s hammered Rose Gordon by nine wickets; Glowell beat St Theresa by 31 runs; 2009 winners Hydel trounced St Catherine by 124 runs; St Peter & Paul clipped Mavisville by one wicket and Our Lady Of The Angels waltzed by former champions Ardenne by 10 wickets