CIDI's 'Blue Life & Thrill' throws $600,000 support behind Jaguars : Promises more support for 2010

CIDI’s ‘Blue Life & Thrill’ throws $600,000 support behind Jaguars : Promises more support for 2010

Jun 20, 2008 Sports

By Franklin Wilson
It’s not often that you hear a company approaching a Sporting Body to sponsor an event or be associated with a particular project.

But standing out in this regard is the Caribbean International Distributors Incorporated (CIDI) who approached the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) after hearing its many pleas for support of the ‘Golden Jaguars’ who are aiming to qualify for the FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010.

Sharing this information was CIDI’s Sales and Marketing Manager Alicia Katideen at a press conference hosted yesterday at their Lot ‘D’ Mc Doom East Bank Demerara, Office which as also attended by Guyana Football Federation President Colin Klass, Technical Director Jamaal Shabazz and ‘Golden Jaguar’ Captain, Charles Pollard.

Katideen started her presentation with the profound statement, “We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community…. Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and our own.”

CIDI through their Blue Life Purified Water and Thrill Soft Drink Brands handed over a cheque valued $600,000 to the GFF which Katideen said, announced their support for the achievement, progress and prosperity of Guyana’s ‘Golden Jaguars’ in its bid to be part of World Cup 2010, South Africa.
“On Sunday, June 22, our boys will “Roar” against Suriname, ironically from where our company originated.

Hence, what better time to show our support for our local boys and urge them on to “claw” their way past Suriname. We have a cadre of talented and motivated players with professional experience in the CONCACAF Region and a yet undiscovered pool of players of Guyanese descent playing in the Major Leagues in Europe and North America. So, there is no stopping us from achieving.”

She informed that they stood on the sidelines and watched as the team prepared through sun and rain facing opponents stronger than them without being discouraged, positing that the ‘Golden Jaguars’ is a force to be reckoned with and should have the country’s full support all the way.

CIDI’s contribution does not only entail cash, but also products of the company to aid in the continued preparation of the squad.

While acknowledging that football locally has its troubles and challenges like any other sport, the former Media Personality recognized that this is an excellent chance for the team to qualify for the next round which would erase all negative talks and force the many critics to forge partnerships with the management and players of the game.

Like Klass and Shabazz, Katideen made a plea to Corporate Guyana to step up and support the Golden Jaguars, just as neighboring Trinidad rallies around the Soca Warriors, who not only got the support of T&T but Guyanese, and the wider Caribbean.

“Blue Life Purified Water and Thrill Soft Drinks have answered the call Mr. Shabazz made to all of Corporate Guyana and not just a call to our offices.

It is time to join the “Roar” with the Golden Jaguars as we are all hungry for victory. To the team, don’t ever feel there’s more pressure because of the corporate sponsorship and worrying about having to live up to the expectations of sponsors. We are here to support you all the way to 2010.”

Klass in response said he is very impressed with the maturity and genuine commitment shown by CIDI in stepping forward when needed to partner with the GFF in this very important task ahead.

“I must say that CIDI has really done quite a good thing in terms of Guyana’s progression to the next round and encouragement of our team.”

The Football boss shared that the company’s approach to the GFF is indeed a Blessing at a time when no monies are available.

“A World Cup preparation will not happen by wishful thinking it is by hard earned cash, lots of money and those countries that have gone the way before have indicated clearly to us that it will take millions of US dollars for us to adequately and properly prepared.”

Klass said he hoped that this is the beginning of an excellent relationship between the two entities that would be lasting and mutually beneficial to both parties.

Shabazz too, complimented CIDI for coming on board from the start and not after the fact since it is not a team that qualifies for a World Cup but a Country.

“We’re very confident in terms of the game itself, we feel more reassured and much more confident when we see partnerships like these develop because we know how important it is for the game, the Federation and the People of this country.

If the people of Guyana, the Government, Corporate Guyana, football fraternity, our friends, our enemies and our frenimies know how important this game is to the future of this country as a society, as a nation, we would laugh very little and cry very much.”