BERGER Paints Limited has increased its sponsorship for the Jamaica Netball Association (JNA) 2013 Berger Super League competition, it was revealed at the opening ceremony held at the Leila Robinson Courts last Saturday.

According to Trevor Lloyd, Berger Paints marketing manager, his company has decided to increase its 2013 sponsorship of Super League to a tune of $3.5 million, up from $2.8 million last season.

He said Berger Paints is extremely pleased to be the title sponsor for the competition, and is also very proud of 25 years of consecutive sponsorship.

“I expect a keenly contested Berger Super League competition from the eight participating clubs as we anticipate the growth and development of netball,” Lloyd said.

He noted that for the first time netball (Berger Super League) will be shown on CVM TV on Saturdays after the matches, which will be a round-up format aimed at helping to give the sport more exposure.

Lloyd also told the participating clubs that they must play the game in a competitive manner, but not losing sight of sportsmanship and respect for opponents.

“It is very important that the players must have fair play while competing and you must also listen keenly to your coaches and managers,” said Lloyd.

Meanwhile, President of the JNA Marva Bernard thanked Berger Paints for their continued support over 25 years.

“Our gratitude is so great that even Berger Paints will be having giveaways and also the value of our insurance for the players during the competition,” Bernard said.

She reminded the players that discipline must be at the front burner at all times, as a lack thereof could drive away sponsors. “Indiscipline has been creeping slowly into our competition recently and we cannot afford to allow it to continue,” she added.

The participating clubs are defending champions JAMALCO, Tivoli ‘A’, Waulgrovians ‘A’, University of the West Indies (UWI) Pelicans ‘A’, Cable Pro, and newcomers GC Foster Strikers ‘A’ and Global United ‘A’.

Also present at the launch was Warren McDonald, regional director of Berger Paints Limited.

More Money to Netball: Marva Bernard (left), president of JNA, accepts the symbolic $3.5-million sponsorship cheque from Trevor Lloyd, marketing manager of Berger Paints Jamaica Limited, last Saturday at the Leila Robinson courts. Looking on is Warren McDonald, regional director of Berger Paints Limited.

(PHOTO: RUDDY HIBBERT)