The 2nd Annual Samsung Cup Tournament Begins in Jamaica
Top teams from primary and preparatory schools across the island compete
for the title of Samsung Cup 2014 Champion
Kingston, Jamaica – April 25, 2014 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., announced the return of its Samsung Cup youth football tournament, an initiative that proves the company’s commitment to advancing sports, recreation and wellness among Jamaican youth, in its second year.
In 2013, the tournament started with 48 school teams, 24 in each region, and 672 players. This year’s tournament, launched yesterday at the Terra Nova All Suite Hotel, has grown to 56 school teams comprised of 14 players ages eight (8) to eleven (11), for a total of 784 students, both boys and girls playing together. The tournament will be divided between urban and rural regions, each further subdivided into four zones with seven teams per zone. The Samsung Cup champions will receive USD$10,000 worth of Samsung products for their school, while the regional winners will be awarded with trophies and medals.
The Jamaica Football Federation has sanctioned the Samsung Cup as an excellent initiative to strengthen the development of youth football in Jamaica. Working along with the organisers and the Jamaica Football Federation, The Jamaica Independent Schools’ Association (JISA) will continue to provide administrative support with the school selection process.
Samsung is proud to have Ricardo “Bibi” Gardner on board once again as the official Ambassador for the Samsung Cup Tournament 2014. Gardner, a former national player who competed in the 1998 World Cup, is a product of youth football in Jamaica. He continues to serve as a role model and inspiration to the young players competing in the Samsung Cup.
In addition to partnering with JISA, the tournament has also received support from the Usain Bolt Foundation, which will be providing all of the footballs used in the tournament. Commenting on the Foundation’s partnership with Samsung, Usain Bolt said, “Having seen firsthand the opportunity that the tournament provides for these young footballers, The Usain Bolt Foundation is delighted to support the Samsung Cup tournament once again as the official football provider. The Foundation is always willing to explore opportunities that support our core values and gives Jamaica’s children endless opportunities. We wish the young footballers all the best in the tournament and continue to encourage them to “Dare to Dream.”
The Samsung Cup kicks off in Kingston on Saturday, April 26.
