L P Martin Funeral Home has taken the mantle as title sponsor of the new St Mary Cricket Association Elite 35 competition which is slated to bowl off on Sunday, September 29.

Zachary Irwin, executive chairman of L P Martin Funeral Home, said his organisation considered its sponsorship an investment in St Mary’s cricket and a continuation of partnerships with the stakeholders in not just the parish, but across the wider Jamaica.

“The St Mary Cricket Association is not just a sports organisation, it’s a pillar of our community fostering discipline and sportsmanship among our youth. By investing in this association we are not only nurturing the talent of the young cricketers, but also instilling in them the value of teamwork, perseverance and dedication,” Irwin said during the official launch of the competition recently.

“Our support goes beyond the boundaries of the cricket field; it extends to the fabric of our community, recognising the importance of giving back,” he added.

The teams set to feature in the competition are Gayle, Boscobel, Jack’s River, Hamilton Mountain, Geddes Town, Mango Valley, High Gate and Bonnie Gate.

Costley Constriction is a main sponsor of the competition, while Sandals Royal Plantation and Sandals Dunn’s River are associate sponsors.

The LP Martin Funeral Home executive chairman urged others to invest in the country’s futureleaders.

“Together, let us pledge to support the St Mary Cricket Association, whether through financial contribution, volunteering our time or simply cheering on the sidelines. Let us empower our youth to reach their full potential and leave a legacy that will inspire generations to come,” said Irwin.

Junior Mattison, first vice-president of the St Mary Cricket Association, lauded the funeral home for its commitment to cricket in the parish. He said it has been a great supporter of cricket in the parish over the years and it was great to see the organisation returning to the fold in such a tangible way. Mattison also hailed Costley Construction for its continued sponsorship and investment in the parish.

Mattison said the players are looking forward to participating in the competition over the next few weeks and he expected the matches to be keenly contested.

Sheldon Pryce, the captain of Gayle, who are the Social Development Commission Twenty20 parish champions, said his team is pleased to be a part of the competition and is ready to go.