Quick-service food giant KFC Jamaica has donated $3.5 million to support youth basketball development in Jamaica this summer.

Nearly 400 young male and female players aged 12 to 23 will benefit from KFC’s donations to the Jamaica Basketball Association (JaBA) Star Search Basketball & Life Skills Camp, Jamaica 60 Basketball Showcase and Jumpball Basketball Camp.

Speaking on KFC’s continued support for youth basketball in Jamaica, KFC Brand Manager Andrei Roper stated: “KFC remains committed to our role as a key supporter in the development of Jamaican basketball and its players. We are pleased to see the return of organised training and participation following an unfortunate two-year break during the pandemic.

“The programmes we have supported this summer provide essential opportunities for our young players to improve their skills and attract the attention of coaches and recruiters who can open new doors for them. We are proud to be a part of these efforts, as we have been for many years.”

The most significant of the support packages from KFC is a $1.2-million cash donation, plus $1 million in meal support to the JaBA Star Search Basketball & Life Skills Camp taking place July 17-22 at the GC Foster College in St. Catherine. The programme provides an avenue for 150 of the most promising young boys and girls aged 13-18 to hone and develop their basketball skills. KFC’s cash donation supports core organisational activities including, but not limited to, accommodation, staff expenses, transportation, and equipment costs.

President of the JaBA Paulton Gordon said: “The Star Search is one of our development platforms to identify young players with potential who can go to the next level. Local and international coaches work to upskill the players, and our focus extends beyond basketball to general self-improvement. KFC’s involvement in the programme spans almost two decades.

“Over this time, many of our players have gotten sports scholarships to attend local and international institutions. Some have reached the highest levels professionally, playing in Europe and the NBA. KFC is a key partner in developing youth basketball in Jamaica; without them, we would not have been able to accomplish all that we have with our programme.”

The Jamaica 60 Basketball Showcase will take place at the University of Technology (UTech), Jamaica July 28-30 with support from KFC to the tune of $200,000 cash and $300,000 in meal support. Throughout the showcase, 84 young players will display their skills with hopes of attracting attention from scouts and coaches overseas who can help further their careers.

Jamaica’s longest-running basketball programme, the Jumpball Basketball camp, has benefited from a donation of $150,000 cash and $600,000 in meal support from KFC. From August 8 to 11, 150 girls and boys ages 12-17 will participate in the development programme hosted at the National Stadium.

Jumpball Senior Coach Rohan Robinson noted: “Our programme provides training and coaching for players. We guide and mentor players who want to further their basketball careers or gain scholarships to play.

“In addition to the core coaching staff, we also have former players who have passed on to higher levels in the sports and give back to the programme. KFC’s donation will help to offset general operating costs for the programme, and thanks to their continued support over the years, we have been able to provide meals for our players.”