Lucozade Sport & Pharmaton Ramp Up Sponsorship for MBC

The rains which dampened the court at Montego Bay Cricket club could be likened to showers of blessings as the Western Basketball Association's (WBA) held its media launch to announce that GlaxoSmithKline through their world leading energy drink brand Lucozade Sport will remain title sponsors of the Men's Basketball Championship, in addition Lucozade Sport will be official energy drink of the WBA.

GSK signed as the major partner of the WBA on March 8, 2006 that included re-naming the Men’s Open League the ‘Lucozade Sport Men’s Basketball Championship’. “The success of the first year of the sponsorship, as well as increasing opportunities for the players both in Montego Bay and throughout western Jamaica, are two key factors which led to this increased commitment,” stated Jacqueline Jackson, Consumer Marketing Executive for GSK.

Under the extension, Lucozade Sport will receive a range of new benefits, including associate sponsorship rights for the upcoming Female Basketball and Men’s Development leagues as well as even more presence on game nights in the form of in game promotions and increased branding, including referees and coaches uniforms.

GSK and the WBA will also work closely in solidifying a more targeted and organized regional grassroots program with players and coaches in particularly at the prep and primary school level. Miss Jacqueline Jackson commended the efforts of the WBA and asserted the fact that GSK plans to continue this relationship with the MBC and also seriously consider sponsoring the prep and primary school program.

Also for the very first time the MBC was able to attract an associate sponsor – namely Pharmaton Multi-Vitamins. Pharmaton is world renowned and scientifically proven to naturally assist persons from all walks of life to improve physical vitality, mobilize inner energy and mental alertness. These facts were echoed to those in attendance by Pharmaton’s Brand Associate Tameka Linton who encouraged the players to make Pharmaton a part of the daily food intake and see the difference in their performance. She then went on to announce Pharmaton’s cash and product sponsorship amounting to $117,000.00.

Jerky’s Bar & Grill will provide succulent meals at all the Association’s major events. Not to be outdone; Mr. Marland Nattie, President of Jamaica Basketball Association during his speech promised to inject a further $20,000.00 cash towards expenses, he further promised to offset the cost for the referees who will officiate the games during the semi-finals and finals of the basketball championship. KLAS FM 89 will grant the league valuable radio coverage including interviews and roundups throughout the season. Kool Runnings Water Park dove into the ‘sponsors pool’ when they committed to being one of the league’s in game promotions partners.

WBA’s Vice President Khurt Comrie said "Lucozade Sport is a major global brand, and to have them agree to increase their commitment after two seasons as title sponsor of the Men’s Basketball Championship is a fantastic endorsement of the league."


By Khurt Comrie for WBA media.