Anthony Foster, Gleaner Writer

THE National Commercial Bank (NCB) Foundation has committed $6.5 million to help with assisting the development of track and field in Jamaica.

The Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association (JAAA), which will get $3.5 million, and Maximising Velocity and Power (MVP) Track Club, the remaining $3 million, were the beneficiaries at the hand-over ceremony at NCB Wellness & Recreational Centre, Phoenix Avenue, St Andrew, yesterday.

The foundation said through this partnership with the JAAA, it will help student-athletes at the secondary and tertiary levels with appropriate development training to become successful; scholarships for those from lower socio-economic backgrounds; the awareness and support of developmental meets, and more student-athletes and coaches will benefit from capacity building at junior athletics training camps.

Will facilitate athletes

The contribution to MVP will facilitate upcoming athletes with equipment, nutritional and medical expenses.

MVP was pleased with their continued relationship with NCB Foundation, which started more than three years ago. Alecia Cutenar, an upcoming MVP/UTech athlete, thanked NCB Foundation for its continued support.

"We look forward to your support for many years to come. Thanks NBC Foundation for helping to build a better MVP," said Cutenar. "We will produce more stellar athletes in years to come," she promised.

Cutenar, a Carifta Games 400m bronze medallist, said the NCB Foundation's intervention has helped MVP to produce 20 per cent of Jamaica's athletes to last year's Beijing Olympics.

Meanwhile, Howard Aris, the JAAA's president, expressed gratitude for the injection of funds.

Sheree Martin, the foundation's CEO, said the donation "is in keeping with our strategic focus to assist youth in active citizenship and gainful employment", as well as supporting "... initiatives aimed at empowering and building the capacity of our youth".