By Michelangelo Jacobus

GUYANA Beverages Incorporated (GBI) under its Fruta Juice Brand, put pen to paper in its 20th year of sponsorship with Fruta Conquerors FC, during a simple ceremony yesterday at the Red Cross Headquarters, Eve Leary.

The multimillion dollar partnership will include uniforms, along with training equipment for the various levels of the club.
GBI’s partnership with the Conquerors is possibly the longest-ever between a corporate entity and a football club.

Speaking at the ceremony, Samuel Arjoon, Commercial Manager of GBI, noted; “GBI’s sponsorship of Fruta Conquerors over the past 20 years is one that should be measured beyond the usual commercial advantages of goodwill within the community, media exposure, increased sales and brand awareness.”
He maintained; “Sponsorship for us at GBI does not mean just money but focus on the development of young people and our communities, building skills and capacities of the individual player.”

Arjoon also pointed out; “I am sure the administrators of Fruta Conquerors can attest to the many accomplishments of this sponsorship. We, at GBI, are happy when we hear these stories of young people not only becoming physically fit through playing football; also improvement in their school attendance, stories of those young boys and girls who manage to stay away from drugs and alcohol, who have become more mindful of their actions and develop healthier minds. As we all know, mental health is becoming a serious issue in our society and football can be used to address many of the issues associated with mental health.

“The road ahead is tough but we at GBI will hold your hands and we shall walk together towards victory over all the obstacles that inhibit sports development in Guyana.”
Also present was Andre Noel, Category Manager – Juices, SM Jaleel. He praised the club for their contribution to the country’s football fraternity. He added that the club and the company have one common goal which is to nurture the talents of Guyanese at all levels.
Noel further confirmed the company’s commitment to the Tucville institution which is heavily geared towards youth development, noting that GBI is looking forward to the continued success of the club.

Meanwhile Fruta Conquerors vice-president Colin Gittens revealed that the club will be undertaking numerous infrastructural development projects, such as improving the playing area, lighting systems and modernising the club house.