DIGICEL Guyana Inc.’s pledge of support for the Guyana Teachers Union/Ministry of Education National Schools Swimming, Cycling and Athletics Championships, which is in the 50th year of existence, came to fruition yesterday at the telecommunications giant’s headquarters in Kingston when the company made a formal presentation of the trophies and medals for the games – part of their sponsorship package. Digicel’s total input into the championships was appraised to be in excess of G$3M according to Shonette Moore who is the Events and Public Relations Manager attached to the company.
While Nalini Vieira who is Digicel’s Head of Sales and Distribution said that Digicel was pleased to partner with the organisers for the 50th anniversary of the event, she expressed regret that this is her entity’s first involvement with the event in its half-century of existence but noted that Digicel looks forward to 50 more years of being a part of the hosting of the event as it is for the good cause of youth development.
Reginald Brotherson, Principal Assistant Secretary-Finance within the Ministry of Education, said that he was excited when Digicel decided to exercise their civic responsibilities and endorse the championships. He noted that his excitement was doubled because of yesterday’s demonstration of their commitment.
Guyana Teachers Union president Colin Bynoe said that he was happy that the championships had evolved to its current state. He sees the involvement of corporate sponsors like Digicel as the beginning of new things where the future of the event is concerned.
Bynoe noted that unless these championships are held the nation’s children will not know their capabilities and now that Digicel is pitching in to assist in the success of the event they will have the opportunity to strive to attain the level of the Usain Bolts around the world.
He reiterated Brotherson’s claim of excitement as yesterday saw the realisation of the promises made by Digicel when they signed on as sponsors of the event and he noted that the medals and trophies they received will leave an impression of Digicel’s role upon the athletes.
Bynoe also disclosed that apart from their tangible support Digicel has been doing a lot of work behind the scenes that will be evident at the championships.