By Kemoh Sesay
The sport-betting company Mercury International has pledged $ 85, 000 in sponsorship money for the Craig Bellamy Foundation Youth Development League due to run from the 12th January to June 2014.
Addressing a news conference at the company’s headquarters at in Freetown, the chairman of Mercury International's Charity Foundation Samir Yassaniyeh said his charity is "very excited to be in partnership with CBF in organizing a national league for under 12 and 14 boys and girls.
He described the idea of such a league as "unique", which he said "attracted my company to be in partnership with CBF".
Hassniyeh said the league "stimulates active participation in football for which points are awarded and encourages the children to perform well in school and to do development work in their communities for which points are awarded".
Under the programs, teams are awarded points for school attendance, and school fees are paid for all players who participate in the league. "All these encompass the ethos of our Cooperate Social Responsibilities and made it possible for us to partner with the Craig Bellamy Foundation".
In his response, the head of CBF Development programs David Browning said they are happy "for such a huge sponsorship" from Mercury international. He said "a project like this is important for the future of Sierra Leonean youths noting that "we are incredibly lucky to work with Mercury International who places their Corporate Social Responsibilities at the core of their identity".
Browning described Mercury International as "marvelous friends in our project as they are happy to come on board to sponsor CBF’’. Over two thousands children - boys and girls will participate in the league in 101 teams nationwide.
(C) Politico 17/12/13
