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Supreme Ventures Limited (SVL) has donated $5 million to Netball Jamaica (NJ) in support of the U21 Sunshine Girls' bid to compete at the Netball World Youth Cup set to be held in Gibraltar, September 19-28.

Heather Goldson, SVL's chief marketing officer, said the donation stands as a sign of the company's support of the netball in Jamaica, and the future of the Sunshine Girls.

"Netball has always punched way above its weight globally, and you guys have been shoes to fill," Goldson said during the presentation yesterday.

"This is really our way of showing we support you and we know you can do this. So congratulations on getting there and we are behind you 100 per cent."

NJ president Karen Baugh thanked SVL for their donation as it brings the team on step closer to making the trip to Gibraltar to compete in the global age-group competition.

She also appealed to other entities from corporate Jamaica to follow in SVL's example and support the the team's ambitions.

"It's huge for us," she said. "We came out last week and sad we needed over $11 million and SVL has stepped up and donated $5 million of that, so we're extremely grateful.

"We're hoping that the rest of corporate Jamaica will follow SVL's lead and come through for this team that has been preparing and working very hard to perform well at the World Cup."

Annette Daley, head coach of the U21 Sunshine Girls, said the donation will further boost the team's morale as the players have been working hard in preparation for the World Youth Cup.

With $5 million of their $11 million goal now covered, she echoed the call for further support from corporate Jamaica to come on board as sponsors.

"I'm extremely elated that SVL came on board because we have been working hard and the girls have been putting in the hours. We are happy that we are halfway in getting there and we are calling on the other members of corporate Jamaica to come on board," she said.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com