Jamaicans are abuzz with the concept of partnership this week following the ascension to Government of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) under the banner ‘Partnership for prosperity”.

In sport, the necessity of partnership is an absolute given. Organised sport in Jamaica couldn’t survive without partnerships with Government and various public sector agencies, private sector sponsors and fans.

Central to any partnership is the principle of giving as well as receiving. In the sporting arena, that element was much to the fore this week with the grand announcements of sponsorship for what is now the most highly anticipated annual event on Jamaica’s sporting calendar, the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships.

First came the announcement from Mr Don Wehby, Group CEO for title sponsors GraceKennedy Limited, that his company’s overall sponsorship of Champs was approximately $100 million. “Yes, it’s a lot of money. But we don’t see it as an expense, it’s an investment in nation-building,” said Mr Wehby.

Then came the news from telecoms sponsor FLOW of an $81 million sponsorship for Champs over three years doubling that company’s previous commitment.

None of this is the result of large corporate operators feeling generous. These lucrative sponsorship arrangements – involving GraceKennedy and FLOW with the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) which administers schools’ sports – are strictly business. They involve companies securing the right to use one of Jamaica’s most applauded sporting brands, Champs, to promote and advertise their business.

And, of course, 2016 is an Olympic year with Jamaican sprinting stars again expected to excel at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. For the business community, there is much to recommend partnership with Jamaica’s athletics at this time.

In the words of Mr Stephen Miller, sponsorship manager at FLOW, “The eyes of the world are now on Jamaica, the undisputed ‘sprint factory’, and we are committed to helping our local governing bodies to fly our national flag high as we demonstrate once again that we are number one.”

With so much business support, ISSA must uphold its end of the partnership. It must strive to prevent what is commonly called ambush marketing. For example, business brands which compete against the brands of the sponsoring companies will not be allowed at the National Stadium. In other words, even a T-shirt showcasing the brand of a sponsor’s competitor is a ‘no no’ at Champs. Such is the business of sport in today’s world.

We are happy that in recognition of their responsibility to be good partners for fans, Champs organisers say they are taking steps to ensure order. Crucially they say they will make sure that every ticket holder gets a seat in safety and in comfort.

We feel sure that, as has become customary, Champs will not only be enjoyable and highly competitive but will also showcase Jamaica’s rich athletic resources. This newspaper wishes all stakeholders the very best.