FLOW Foundation offers $4.3m in Penn Relays assistance to 31 schools

THE FLOW Foundation has made yet another meaningful investment in the future of young Jamaican student athletes through its annual sponsorship of schools participating in the upcoming Penn Relays 2017. The foundation marked its 24th year of involvement with a record contribution of approximately $4.3 million for a total of 31 schools who will be making the trip to Philadelphia later this month.

Speaking at a brief presentation ceremony, held at FLOW’s corporate office on April 19, Errol Miller, executive chairman of the FLOW Foundation, shared that outside of athletics the company was pleased to be able to contribute to the students’ academic exploits and the future opportunities often gained by Jamaican athletes while participating in the prestigious games.

“Many of our outstanding student athletes go on to secure notable scholarships and other opportunities through the exposure gained at Penn (Relays). The games are a known attraction for overseas talent scouts and agents, and our Jamaican athletes are notorious for attracting high attention wherever they compete. We have, however, seen this materialising in a highly tangible way even after the games,” Mr Miller shared.

This year, the secondary schools benefiting from this FLOW initiative include Ardenne High School, Bellefield High School, Bridgeport High School, Calabar High School, Camperdown High School, Convent of Mercy Alpha Academy, Cornwall College, Edwin Allen High School, Excelsior High School, Greater Portmore High School, Green Island High School, Herbert Morrison Technical High School, Holmwood Technical High School, Hydel High School, Immaculate Conception High School, Jamaica College, Manchester High School, Munro College, Papine High School, Petersfield High School, Spalding High School, St Andrew High School for Girls, St Catherine High School, St Elizabeth Technical High School, St Jago High School, the Queens School and Vere Technical High School. Teritiary institutions marked for assistance include The Mico University College, G.C. Foster College, the University of the West Indies, Mona, and the University of Technology.

PLACEMENTS

“One of the teams we assisted last year was from Immaculate Conception (High School) and I am pleased to share that we received reports that the entire team of the athletes were able to secure placements and scholarships at US-based schools,” Miller reported. “This is very encouraging for us at the FLOW Foundation and truly validates our annual financial investment in these youngsters; many of whom leave Jamaica for the first time when they attend the Penn Relays,” he added.

Miller further commended organisations like Team Jamaica Bickle and other corporate sponsors who contribute to the travel and accommodation expenses for the team. “Together, we are an unbeatable force behind these athletes who carry our Jamaican flag and make us proud,” Mr Miller shared.

FLOW will also be giving each team call credit to facilitate communication while in the United States.

The 123rd Penn Relays will be held from April 27-29, at the University of Pennsylvania.