Confectioneries and Snacks continued their support of local netball through their brand Sunshine Cereals when they committed $1 million to this year’s staging of the Netball Jamaica Intermediate League, which got under way recently.

The competition, which runs from April 6 to June 8, 2019, will see seven weeks of intense games, and the funds provided by Sunshine Cereals is to ensure that the competition runs smoothly.

Brand manager of Sunshine Cereals, Keisha Prince spoke of the growing relationship between her company and Netball Jamaica.

“Sunshine Cereals is delighted to renew our strong relationship with the Netball Jamaica Intermediate League Competition. For the past five years, Sunshine Cereals has had a strong and close relationship with Netball Jamaica, which has become our flagship sponsorship event. Last year was an exciting year and this year we are expecting the competition to be even more exciting.

“Netball Jamaica needs to expose this beautiful game globally, and Sunshine Cereals is pleased to assist them with our continuous sponsorship for the past five years. I sincerely believe that the sponsorship between Sunshine Cereals and Netball Jamaica is a partnership where both brands benefit.”

She also spoke of the expected impact the money that is being provided will be on the participants in the league.

“Having sponsorship funding allows netballers to focus more on their training and reduces stress when it comes to finding money to finance training and events.”

Prince believes that sponsorship of this kind goes beyond a mere few weeks of playing netball.

“Our netball players have contributed positively to Brand Jamaica and Sunshine Cereals’ decision to continue our sponsorship is part of our corporate social responsibility and our contribution to nation building,” she outlined.

Additionally, she suggested that sports played by women provided a perfect pathway to market her company’s products.

“Sport provides an exciting platform on which to build our brand, and women’s sports present an excellent channel for this.”

Tricia Robinson, vice-president of Netball Jamaica, praised Sunshine Cereals for returning as sponsors for a fifth time.

“We at Netball Jamaica are very happy that Sunshine Cereals has decided to renew their partnership with us to stage the Intermediate League once again. Their commitment to the sport of netball truly helps us to carry out our mandate, and for that we are extremely grateful.”

The smartly dressed Ocho Rios Magics won the prize for Best Dressed Team at the opening day parade.

Global “A” are the defending champions for the competition, while Tryall Heights finished runners-up in 2018.

—Dwayne Richards