Adrian Frater, News Editor
WESTERN BUREAU:

THE ORGANISERS of the two-day fourth Caribbean Classic Golf Invitational (CCGI) tournament, which starts in Montego Bay today; and the nine-fight Muay Thai championship, which will unfold at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium tonight, are exuding confidence ahead of both events.

"We have expanded what was essentially a celebrity golf tournament to include a Muay Thai championship, so we are confident it will be a success," said Richard Stephenson, the CEO, president and founder of the CCGI.

"We are very excited about both events," he said.

Stephenson was among a CCGI team, which included celebrities, golfers and Muay Thai fighters, who visited the John Rollins Success Primary School in St James yesterday. Last year, the school received 15 computers from the CCGI, which formed a part of the organisation's commitment to provide computers to all primary schools in Jamaica.

Local, int'l celebrities

The golf tournament will feature both local and international celebrities, including former NBA star Julius 'Dr J' Erving, actor/comedian Bill Bellamy, Olympic gold medal swimmer Ed Moses, actress Kiki Shepherd, actor Jeffrey Anderson-Gunter and former West Indies cricketers Maurice Foster and Jeffrey Dujon.

"I am extremely happy to be a part of this event because of the tremendous benefits it will bring to the children," said Bellamy. "Education is the key to us having a better world so I will also do what I can to help to promote education," he said.

Jamaica-born Muay fighter Clifford Brown, the reigning World Muay Thai Council super light heavyweight champion, was among the persons who visited John Rollins Success Primary School. His fight is expected to be the feature bout tonight.

"This is my home. I had the experience of these children growing up," said Brown. "I am delighted that I will not only be performing before a Jamaican audience but that I will be doing something to benefit the children," he said.