Christopher Samuda, president of the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA), has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting its member associations, highlighted by the $6-million grant to the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) under its pioneering members’ equipment programme.

The grant is to be used to acquire a Tri-Vision billboard for Sabina Park, an upgrade that is expected to enhance the cricketing experience for players and spectators alike.

Samuda said the contribution is part of the association’s long-term commitment plan to ensure that its member associations have the necessary tools and infrastructure to deliver high-quality sports experiences.

“When a member association makes a call with earnestness, we have to answer. This call by the JCA is being made with earnestness, and we are pleased to support them in their efforts to upgrade their infrastructure. We’re in partnership with the JCA in delivering value,” Samuda told the Jamaica Observer during the cheque handover at Sabina Park on Friday.

Samuda emphasised the importance of infrastructure development in sports, noting that it is essential for delivering value to athletes, sportsmen, and sportswomen.

Samuda also expressed his confidence that the JCA will continue to pursue infrastructure development and that the JOA will be there to support them in realising their objectives.

“My expectation is that they will augment that as well,” he said. “We have to ensure that Sabina Park is well-equipped and meets international standards, and I am absolutely confident that they will continue to pursue this objective,” he said.

Anthony Davis, director at JCA, welcomed the contribution from the JOA as Sabina Park is one of the premier cricket venues in the Caribbean.

“This contribution by the JOA will go very far. We actually need two Tri-Vision boards, and if you around at Sabina Park you will see that we have one in place, we need two,” Davis told the Observer.

The JCA’s quest for digital transformation is driven by the need to stay abreast of the latest technological advancement in the sport.

“[Having] the digital board means more advertisements can be placed on the board and it will be a lot more attractive and effective. So this is a step in making sure that we keep up to date with cricket and the rest of the world with the constant introduction of technology into the sport,” he said.

The timing of the JOA’s contribution couldn’t be more opportune, as Sabina Park is set to host its first pink-ball night game on Saturday when the West Indies take on Australia.

“So this is a big plus of JOA to come on board and made this contribution at this time when we are going to have this occasion where it is the first pink-ball night game that is going to play in Jamaica and they have stepped up to our quest to help with getting that Tri-Vision board. We are speaking to the suppliers. It won’t be in time for this game but pretty soon we will get it up and running,” said Davis, who is also a member of JCA’s marketing committee.