Jamaica Badminton Association (JBA) President Sheldon Townsend has called on corporate Jamaica to join the country’s efforts to host the Yonex Pan American (PamAm) Championship for a successful run in April. and discussions have already begun.
Townsend said the JBA expects regular support from government agencies, the Sports Development Foundation (SDF), the Ministry of Sports and the Jamaica Olympic Association, but the provisional budget will make the Games costly.
In an interview with Townsend Sunday Greener, does not disclose initial estimates for hosting the tournament. But he is confident from his first talks that JBA will raise the necessary funds.
positive mindset
“Fundraising is ongoing. We are definitely looking to Corporate Jamaica to help with this and it is going full steam ahead and we are looking forward to identifying a potential partnership with Corporate Jamaica. There’s a committee dedicated to that,” Townsend said.
“We have to start with a positive mindset. With the type and size of tournaments we expect, corporate Jamaica will definitely see the benefits and align their brands with associations and badminton.” I’m confident.
“This is an international tournament, so we know that securing funding and sponsorship is usually a challenge, but by achieving that, I think we are fulfilling our mission. I can’t call you by name yet because I haven’t been with you yet, but we started a conversation,” he continued.
The JBA has chosen to host the more internationally recognized Yonex Pan Am Champs next year in place of the Jamaican International Badminton Tournament, which is normally held in February and March each year.
The PanAm Champs will be held at GC Foster College and members of the JBA have recently taken a walkthrough of the facility in anticipation of a tour by the Badminton Pan American Federation (BPAC), whose team will arrive Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Townsend said the JBA will step up some efforts to help Jamaican players compete at the PanAm Champs.
He said the JBA has already established selection criteria and the recent All-Jamaica Championships will be used to assess a player’s strengths.
“The purpose of the association is not to join us just because we are the hosts, so the training starts well before the tournament. You will be invited to a training program for ,” Townsend said.
job.nelson@gleanerjm.com
