MARYLAND, United States — Donovan Cunningham, the proprietor of Tashes Ankh Restaurant in Baltimore, expressed his joy in sponsoring this year’s PUMA East Coast International Showcase Track and Field Championships. The event is scheduled to take place at the Prince George Sports and Learning Complex in Maryland on Saturday.

This marks the third consecutive year that Cunningham’s restaurant will sponsor the championship, providing breakfast and dinner for over 120 Jamaican student-athletes participating in the event.

A native of Trelawny, Cunningham emphasised his establishment’s commitment to supporting his country and its athletes as he eagerly anticipated this year’s championships.

“This is my third year contributing, and I always love to give back to my country,” said Cunningham. “I hire mostly Jamaicans to lend them a hand. Most Jamaican people who come to the United States usually work for Jamaicans when they first arrive, so I have always been contributing to my country,” he said. “My contribution will help the students because anytime you can help young people gain an advantage in life, it’s a plus. Jamaica is tough, and just to lend a hand here is a blessing,” Cunningham shared.

He praised the organisers of the meet for their exceptional job since the inception of the championships, highlighting its role in providing Jamaican student-athletes with opportunities to secure university scholarships in the United States.

Donovan Cunningham, owner of Tashes Ankh Restaurant in Baltimore, United States (Photo contributed)

“I believe that you have to give to get, and to be able to help my country, a third world country, is truly a blessing for me. It gives me fulfilment, as we should help each other in life. I think this meet is great for the athletes, it’s great for the country, and it will also help some of these athletes earn scholarships in the United States,” Cunningham explained.

Sanjay Ayre, chief organiser of the meet, expressed gratitude to Cunningham for his steadfast support over the past three years.

“This is a significant contribution because Tashes Ankh, through its owner (Donovan) Roger Cunningham, has been a major sponsor for us from the very first year of our meet,” said Ayre. “This is their third year of sponsorship with us, and Mr Cunningham has provided all the food for the kids, breakfast and dinner, going above and beyond to support us.”

“We will be feeding a hundred and twenty athletes from Jamaica alone, not counting those from the Caribbean, Canada, and the United States. We need support, and we have been very grateful for Mr Cunningham’s help over the years. Hopefully, he will continue to support us because his restaurant is a top establishment in the Baltimore area,” Ayre asserted.

Meanwhile, Jamaican schools such as Hydel, St Jago (both boys and girls teams), Excelsior boys, Jamaica College, Wolmer’s Girls, Muschett, St Elizabeth Technical, Titchfield, Lacovia, Holmwood, Vere Technical and St Mary are set to participate in the championship.