BY PAUL BURROWES

Observer writer

THE Jamaica Basketball Association (JaBA) has crafted a two-year sponsorship deal with Spartan Health Club that allows for national teams, development squads and the sport’s executives to keep fit and enjoy good health.

Team Jamaica, last year’s Men’s Caribbean Champions, will take advantage of Spartan when they hit town next year in preparation for the Centro Basketball Championships and in quest of the 2012 London Olympics.

The ladies, ranked in the world’s top 50 out of 100 and likely to be coached by former Jamaican WNBA player Simone Edwards, will also grace the facility described by JaBA as a “prestigious and legendary fitness club”.

In addition to the players, JaBA’s executives will go to Spartan in a programme dubbed the “Fit Nation Executive Challenge”, according to president Ajani Williams. After three months, their condition will be documented.

“It is important that we as executives of a sporting organisation look the part, improve or maintain our health, and encourage all in the workforce across Jamaica to improve, even incrementally, upon their health and well-being.

“I personally have gone from an athlete since I was around five years old, to a pro athlete up to 29 years old, to being desk civilian. This cannot be good in the short and long term. We have seen the debilitating effects of ill health on public servants, staff in companies and the general public suffering from varying preventable diseases,” explained Williams, an author and business entrepreneur.

The sponsorship shows the insight of Spartan’s new general manager and Miss Jamaica World 2005, Dr Terri-Karelle Reid, to inspire health and wellness among corporate Jamaica and the country at large.

“Let the fitness challenge begin. We are looking forward to see the progress of JaBA’s executives and will be reaching out to other executives and employees of companies to join in and reach for their best self here at Spartan,” Dr Reid explained.

The link with JaBA will also see Jamaica’s likely NBA-bound players Jerome Jordan and Samardo Samuels, as well as national coach, former NBA player Sam Vincent working out at the well-known fitness centre.