Burger King lends support to junior squash team
FOR the third consecutive year, Restaurant Associates Limited, local operators of the Burger King franchise, has provided sponsorship valued at $400,000 to offset the cost of sending the national junior squash team to the Caribbean Area Squash (CASA) Junior Championship.
The announcement was made at a press conference held at the Liguanea Club in New Kingston yesterday.
The 13-member team will depart the island later today for the premier squash regional tournament, which is scheduled for July 18 to 25 in Barbados.
In addition to the sponsorship, Burger King has provided competitive gear and uniforms for the players who are tipped to perform well at the prestigious tournament.
Nicholas Mundell, Burger King’s brand manager, sponsorship and fixed advertising, reiterated his company’s commitment to sports and youth development.
“Burger King has always supported the development of youth through sports. Over the years we have supported squash and have been impressed with the team’s success at the regional tournaments. Though squash is not played all across Jamaica, with Burger King’s support we are hoping to see the sport grow locally,” he said.
“We know that the Caribbean Junior Championship plays a big role in shaping our young players by giving them exposure to high- quality squash and intense competition, and so we’re pleased to be able to assist the team in participating in the tournament this year,” he said.
Gill Binnie, national junior programme manager, said that she is anticipating good performances from both the boys’ and girls’ teams.
“The juniors are predicted to do well in the up-coming tournament: the boys are strong contenders for the team title and the girls are anticipating a top-three finish.
“Alyssa Mullings will be looking to make history with a sixth consecutive junior regional title in the Under-17 category. Mary Mahfood is a hot favourite in her group, while her cousin Jake Mahfood will be gunning for the top spot in the Under-19,” she said.
Teams: Boys — Jake Mahfood (captain), Stephen Morrison, Luke Roberts, Tahjia Lumley, Jonathan Walker, Adam Ardito, Sebastian Levy, and Karan Dhiman; Girls — Mary Mahfood, Alyssa Mullings, Mia Mahfood, Mia Lake, and Leah Robotham.