PCJ pumps $3m into SDC T20

The Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ) is demonstrating its support for sports and community development with a $3-million sponsorship of the Social Development Commission (SDC)/Wray & Nephew National Community T20 Tournament.

The competition, which commenced in April under the theme ‘Building Communities… Building Jamaica,’ has eight remaining teams vying for the championship title and will wrap up on August 25 at Noranda in St Ann.

Being staged for the 13th year, the initiative is a major social- outreach activity for the SDC that involves an average of 300 community teams with players ranging from age 14 to 45 years. In addition, the annual event provides employment for approximately 2,000 individuals.

With over $2 million up for grabs, the top four teams will be able to contribute to improvements in their communities as a portion of the cash prize will fund a major project that will address a collective need.

PCJ Corporate affairs and Communications manager, Camille Taylor said that after serving as a major sponsors in 2018, the corporation didn’t hesitate to renew its support for the competition this year.

“The SDC’s community cricket competition brings together two areas that the PCJ supports under our corporate social responsibility activities – sports and community development. So we see this as a win for the PCJ and the SDC, but most importantly for the communities who will benefit from the development prize and also enjoy the fun and entertainment the matches will provide,” she said.

SDC executive director Dr Dwayne Vernon said, “The SDC is thankful for the partnership with the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica and other donors as the success of this competition lies heavily on the support of the sponsors. I commend all the sponsors for having a broad view of community development.”