We a man like this he just getting sponsorship left right and centre oh gosh................................. ah shame RF you all sure you wnt him gone
JFF gets $15-m boost from Grace
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sportsGraceKennedy Limited, through its subsidiary Grace Foods & Services Company, yesterday committed $15 million in a renewed four-year nutritional sponsorship association with the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF).
The announcement was made at the GraceKennedy Limited headquarters on Harbour Street in Kingston.
The sponsorship deal is for GraceKennedy to supply monthly allocation of various food items, as well as cash to purchase meats and fresh products not carried by the Grace line, to the JFF's national programmes, with a main focus on the senior Reggae Boyz on their 'Back to Africa' campaign. It is understood that the monthly allocation has begun since February 1, with the JFF receiving over 50 items of Grace-owned or distributed products.
The association is worth $4 million annually, except for the final year - 2010 - which is a part year, courtesy of the FIFA World Cup Finals in South Africa in the summer.
The deal will also see nutrition specialist, Grace Kitchens' Dr Heather Little-White, providing nutrition training and lecture demonstrations to the cooking staff assigned to prepare meals for the team.
Dr Heather Little-White will also provide the necessary one-on-one consultational support with players, their families and caregivers on the importance of healthy eating.
"This association with the Jamaica Football Federation has been a long-standing one, and it is no accident that our company supports so much of the endeavours of the young people in our society," said Michael Ranglin, senior general manager, GraceKennedy Foods.
"Our support of the Jamaica national football programme is no new thing. Since 1997, the year the company celebrated its 75th anniversary, GraceKennedy decided to lend its support to the national football programme... we strongly felt that Jamaica had the potential to reach the finals of the World Cup, depending on good coaching and good nutrition. And we did it.
"We remain committed to securing the nutritional health of our football players. To that end, we have entered into an agreement, in this our 85th year, with the JFF to provide some $15 million of food supplies over a four-year period...
"We have made this commitment because we believe that, as a local company it is important to support events being staged to promote sportsmanship and discipline. Sports challenge young people to stretch themselves to reach beyond expectations. Athletes who take their work seriously have opportunities to develop emotionally, physically, socially and spiritually. They develop into adults of character. They can also be role models to other youngsters," added Ranglin.
Meanwhile JFF president Crenston Boxhill noted that the renewal of the sponsorship was "extra-ordinarily special" for many reasons.
"Under this agreement Grace Foods becomes the main food brand provider of the Reggae Boyz, representing an important area of attention to the players," noted Boxhill.
"What is clear is that we recognise that the success is going to depend both on the talent and execution of the players as well as the structure, discipline and organisation off the field," added the JFF boss.
And Dr Little-White, who spearheaded the nutritional programme with the historic France 1998 World Cup team, said she was happy to be reunited with the national programme.
"GraceKennedy recognises that our Reggae Boyz need regular well-balanced, well-prepared nutritious meals and snacks when they are in training to maintain the high energy demands of training, competition and the rigour of their professional career. In this regard, Grace Foods will be using its extensive product range to develop creative meals for the players. You will hear about the Reggae Boyz Power Punch, a highly nutritious drink made from Grace Oats, Vita-malt and Jus Soy milk. We will serve everyday foods in creative ways, incorporating local produce when it is not Chicken Lollipops, it could be Ackee, Corned Beef and Yam Casserole or Coconut Fish Fingers and Irie Rice," she said.
"With the cooperation of all parties concerned, it hoped that The Grace Kennedy Nutrition support to the Jamaica Football Federation will make a difference in the lives of the senior players so that going to South Africa in 2010 will be a reality," added Dr Little-White.
