ESHER, Hanover — Sponsoring sporting events for youngsters is an investment in the future and not an expense says Jennifer Wilson, branch manager for the Hanover Co-operative Credit Union.

Wilson made the comments at Friday’s handing over of her company’s sponsorships cheque to the County of Cornwall Athletics Association (COCAA) Western Championships at Global Villas in Esher, Hanover.

Western Champs, which will also be sponsored by Gatorade, will be held over three days this week: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The boys’ eliminations will be held at Munro College, the girls’ eliminations at Rusea’s High on Thursday and the combined finals on Saturday at the Montego Bay Sports Complex.

At the presentation on Friday, Wilson said expansion exercises at her company had forced them to lower their contribution, but pledged their support in this the second season they have been partnering with COCAA, while encouraging other companies to get involved.

Stephen Smith, president of COCAA, said the association had faced some tough decisions earlier in the season, but he had ignored suggestions from some to cancel the championships or postpone them until later in the season.

The tight schedule, he said, would not have allowed them to move the event, and he said while they were not where they wanted to be in terms of preparation for the meet, they were making some progress as far as sponsorship was concerned.

Stephen Smith (second left), president of COCAA, accepts the Hanover Co-Operative Credit Union symbolic sponsorship cheque at a ceremony at Global Villas in Esher, Hanover on Friday. Also pictured (from left) are Audrey Thompson of COCAA, athletes Vanessa Pusey of Green Island High and Stephanie Barrett of Rusea’s High, Jennifer Wilson, branch manager of Hanover Co-Op, and Salome Scarlett, marketing manager.

(PHOTO: PAUL REID)