LIME connects Blake in three-year deal

BY DANIA BOGLE Observer staff reporter

Saturday, February 18, 2012

TELECOMMUNICATIONS company LIME yesterday announced a major three-year sponsorship deal with 100m world champion Yohan Blake naming the athlete as its latest brand ambassador.

Under the deal Blake will be a major part of LIME's 2012 London Olympic Games, as well as the company's celebration of Jamaica's 50th year of Independence.

LIME's regional vice-president, marketing and communications, Grace Silvera would not disclose the dollar value of the deal, but said "both sides are very happy with the arrangement".

The announcement was made at a ceremony held at Blake's alma mater, St Jago High School in Spanish Town, and the athlete said it was important for him to be able to return to his former stomping ground for the announcement as the institution had helped make him the person he is today.

"I feel very special. Coming back to my alma mater to let them see what I have achieved so young, kids can look at this and say, okay I can follow Yohan's footsteps."

"I started years ago with (coach) Danny Hawthorne and with academics and they helped me to be a smarter person. Also to teach me wisdom and knowledge and everything about life," he added.

Silvera in the meantime was pleased with the acquisition of Blake as a member of the LIME family, joining the likes of World Championships 100m bronze medallist Asafa Powell.

"Yohan represents the spirit, pride, tenacity and excellence that we want the younger athletes to aspire to as well. So when you lift up Yohan you invariably lift up those with him as role models for them to aspire towards that," she stated.

As a LIME brand ambassador Blake will be expected to attend company events and be part of promotional activities. LIME will also provide telecommunications services for the athlete while he is travelling, especially during this year's Olympic Games in the Untied Kingdom.

"So when Yohan goes off his friends and family will also be able to stay connected with him through LIME, so we facilitate telecommunications for him, his management and his team as well," Silvera said.

LIME also donated $300,000 to Blake's charitable organisation the YB Afraid Foundation.

"Poverty was a thing for me. I didn't born with a gold spoon in my mouth, so giving back to the community is great for me. To help other kids I want them to reach where I reach today," Blake said.

In addition, the company also pledged to donate the first $100,000 of the estimated $32 million it will cost to build a gymnasium at the school.

Principal Sandra Swyer-Watson told Sporting World that St Jago had contributed many athletes to the Jamaican success story and wanted to continue that tradition.

Plans have already been drawn and the St Catherine Parish Council has approved the plans for the gym.

"We have done it with very little and nothing, but it's about time that we have our own system in place. We are hoping by next year this time we will have our own gym in place so we can produce more athletes for Jamaica," Swyer-Watson said.

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LIME connects Blake in three-year deal