…  Digicel partners with 3-year sponsorship contract
THE  Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU)/Ministry of Education’s (MOE) 51st annual National Schools Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships was officially launched in the boardroom of the MOE, 21 Brickdam, yesterday. Present at the launching ceremony were Digicel’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Shonette Moore, MOE Permanent Secretary Phulander Khandai and GTU president Colin Bynoe who all made brief comments.
The most significant point of the launching was Digicel’s partnership to assist with the smooth running of the championship as, according to Moore, Digicel has signed a memorandum which entails a three-year sponsorship by the company.
This year is included in the agreement which will expire in 2013. The total budget for the 2011 championships is $16.5 million. However, Digicel has not completed branding the championship but they donated a substantial amount that is expected to go a long way.
Moore said at the briefing that her company is indeed happy to be associated with the GTU and MOE for the event.
“This is the second year we have assisted, with last year being our first. We believe in the potential of this championship with the understanding of how important it is. This event is a moulding ground for young athletes to have a chance of being better when they get older,” she said.
When Khandai spoke he opined that the MOE is pleased that Digicel has answered their call for help with the running off of the event. Khandai believed that last year’s championship was very successfully run, rating it among one of the best since they had the support of Digicel and other business entities.
He said: “This championship is the culmination of long hours and weeks of training and preparations for all age groups throughout the schools across the country to showcase their talent.”
The PS disclosed that the Management team has been hard at work to facilitate what is expected to be around 1 700 athletes for the championships, with transportation, accommodation and security being among the top aspects that have been taken care of thus far.
Bynoe opened his remarks saying: “We are heartened that Digicel once again kept their word to try and brand the championships. We’re happy they are lending their service through sports.”
“They have helped us to give the athlete something more sizeable than what we gave them for their efforts. This means the medals, trophies and standard of the championships will face major improvements,” the president said.