NAGICO PRESENTS TOURNAMENT SPONSORSHIP MONEY &
PLEDGES TO SEE BASKETBALL REGAIN ITS GLORY DAYS
Philipsburg, St. Maarten March 26th, 2008
CAPTION: McSood Amjad presents a portion of the sponsorship money for the 2008 NAGICO Basketball Tournament to Emmanuel York, St. Maarten Basketball Association President. Assisting with the presentation is Marketing Manager, Jasmine Payne.
Philipsburg, St. Maarten: "Basketball will again rise to the top tier in St. Maarten sports." That the view of NAGICO CEO McSood Amjad. Mr. Amjad made these remarks as he presented a US $14,000 check, the first portion of money which forms a part of the total sponsorship funds allocated to the St. Maarten Basketball Association for the hosting of the 2008 NAGICO Basketball Tournament. The presentation was made on Wednesday in the NAGICO Conference Room on Cannegieter Street.
McSood continued, "It is one thing to do business but it is just as important to support the community. I was encouraged by my staff member Lennox Fleming to do something about the feeling that the sport had lost its spark. We want to help to build basketball so that St. Maarten regains its standing in this sport. Our goal is to bring out both the players and the fans and to boost the game so that it regains its "glory days" . The NAGICO CEO, praised the efforts of the SBBA President Emmanuel York, saying that Mr. York had achieved results in the best way- by staying in the game; he also recognized the considerable work it takes to pull a tournament together.
Finally, McSood emphasized that it was important to raise the stakes of the game, ensuring that players were given positive incentives to excel. "We believe that people will play with passion because there is a tangible reward, not just bragging rights." The prize money for the winning team has been set at $5,000 plus a trophy, whilst the second place team will net $2,500 and a trophy.
The 1st game of the tournament takes place on Sunday March 30th at the L.B Scott Auditorium after an action packed opening ceremony at 4:30 pm, the Master of Ceremonies will be the popular radio personality Gee Money. Exhibition games, DJ Paulie and a chance for the fans to try their luck at shooting from the half court are all a part of the action fans can expect at Sunday"s opening ceremony.