By Calvin Roberts
Telecommunications giant Digicel yesterday reiterated its commitment to the development of football on the local scene by offering sponsorship to designated local football champions Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United.
In a simple ceremony held at the Waterchris Hotel, Waterloo Street, Digicel’s Marketing Officer, Shirwin Campbell, handed over $300,000 in cash along with balls and polo jerseys to Alpha United to be used during their preparation for the Cope de Guiana’s tournament which carries a first prize within the region of US$1,500 to US$2,500.
“Digicel Guyana is proud to assist the Alpha United Football Club on its journey to victory in French Guiana. Our contribution to Alpha United Football Club is further demonstration of our commitment to the development of football in Guyana,” Campbell added. “We understand the passion of football in this country and the company will continue to support the sport in Guyana. Our commitment to the development of football in Guyana is also demonstrated through our various sponsorship of the sport. We hosted the Kick Start Football Clinics for young footballers where Guyanese footballer, Andrew Murray was selected by John Barnes to train at Sunderland AFC. Apart from being a sponsor of the Caribbean’s premiere football tournaments, Digicel is also a sponsor of the GFF.”
He noted that Digicel was working closely with the GFF to ensure that the Golden Jaguars were successful on the road to South Africa for World Cup 2010.
“We wish Alpha United all the best in the upcoming matches in French Guiana and we are certainly looking forward to a resounding victory by them,” Campbell said.
Alpha will depart Guyana on Monday for French Guiana via Suriname and, according to the club’s president Odinga Lumumba, the cost of the trip to and from Suriname along with accommodation would be in the region of G$1.5m.
“In order for us to make this trip a reality, we need to realise this sum and to date we have been received sponsorship from Digicel, Vicab Engineering Consultants, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Office of the Prime Minister, Ansa Mc Al, Nagasar Sawh Lumber Company, Delmur Trading Limited and Courtney Benn Contractors and Construction Services Limited to which we are truly grateful.”
The Alpha touring team consists of: Leon Grumble (captain), Quincy Madramootoo, Gordon Henry, Ronson Williams, Kelvin McKenzie, Rudian Thomas, Vellone Thorne, Wendell St Hill, Andrew Murray, Elton Browne, Peter Parks, Travis Martin, Frank Crandon, Adrian Giddings, Alton Fraser and Philbert Moffat.
