Development Bank renews Newton Ground Ballers’ sponsorship

Basseterre St. Kitts (April 25, 2012) — As the St. Kitts Amateur Basketball Association (SKABA) 2012 league enters its second round, top contenders in the junior league Development Bank Newton Ground Ballers have received a major boost following the renewal of their sponsorship.

Ms Enist Parris, Development Bank Newton Ground Ballers’ coach, in thanking the Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis for renewing the sponsorship, has indicated that the boys are energised and with eight wins and only one loss so far, she feels that the team will clinch the under-20 league title in the 2012 SKABA championships.

“We sat out last year and did not participate in the SKABA league because I was ill,” said Enist Parris, a former basketball player who was grounded by injury, but kept the game alive by forming the Newton Ground team. “This year we have come back stronger and so far we have played nine games and won eight. The championship is in sight now.”

Ms Parris made the remarks on Thursday April 19 when she received a sponsorship cheque from Ms Danienne Brin, Executive Assistant to the bank’s General Manager Mr. Lenworth Harris. She pointed out that since their only loss was to Molineux Strivers who have themselves lost three matches, they are better placed to lift the championship.

“The boys have the ability to take the junior championship,” said Ms Parris. “The one loss was a wakeup call for them and now they are a much focused team and hence the reason I am sure they will take the trophy this year. I am very grateful to the Development Bank and I wish the guys would win the championship this year so as to compliment the sponsor.”

Ms Parris, who was accompanied by the assistant coach Mr Norvin Rawlins, and players Glencav Garnett, Cedrin Williams and Dishon Heyliger, said that the team is also involved in community outreach programmes. The new sponsorship will go a long way in boosting the outreach programmes.

“With this new sponsorship, we are getting polo shirts, a cooler, balls and shoes for a number of the players,” stated Ms Parris. “We need the polo shirts because the team goes out to events like the church and different functions in the community including funerals. We need the shirts so we can look like a united group with a purpose.”

While making the presentation, Ms Brin observed that the Development Bank was happy to partner with the country’s youths in their efforts to make their communities better places to live. According to Ms Brin, the management of the bank was encouraged because members of the team are active even away from the court as they engage in community projects.

“The Development Bank’s mandate is to empower communities in a holistic manner,” said the bank’s Executive Assistant. “These young persons have shown promise both on the court and outside the court. It is our hope that they will clinch the title this year. That will help boost their morale as they go back to serve the Newton Ground community.”