Talks for synthetic rink to continue
‘We are in discussions with a number of companies who are quite interested in putting up a synthetic rink for Jamaica. That is a short-term measure to getting a rink on which we can skate and play hockey.’
PRESIDENT OF the Jamaica Olympic Ice Hockey Federation (JOIHF), Don Anderson, revealed that plans are in motion to establish a synthetic rink locally.
However, according to him, discussions with major private companies that have shown serious interest in the development of the sport have been stalled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Nevertheless, Anderson says the offers remain on the table and they will look to re-engage these potential partners in another month or so.
“We are in discussions with a number of companies who are quite interested in putting up a synthetic rink for Jamaica. That is a short-term measure to getting a rink on which we can skate and play hockey. So in another month, we will be able to say further on the possibility of the synthetic rink,” Anderson told The Gleaner.
He revealed that this strong interest in forming partnerships with the federation was sparked by the visit of winning Latam Cup co-captains Jason Lindo and Keegan Moore to the island last November.
GOOD IMPRESSION
Anderson said the pair impressed the hosts so much that they offered to support the synthetic rink project, amongst other things, and they are looking to reopen discussions, especially with one particular regional entity, as soon as they are able to.
“We don’t want to call any names, but major private entities called me, having met them (Lindo and Moore) at lunch, and told us they would like to support this (synthetic rink) endeavour,” Anderson shared. “They made that offer specifically to me, but like everything else, that is on ice at the moment because of the COVID-19 situation; but the offer stands on the table from a major private-sector company that wants to assist us in our development.”
He added that t he JOIHF intends to secure the support of the prospective partners before engaging the Ministry of Sport for assistance.
The minister of sport, Olivia Grange, is also in negotiations with Tropical Ice Venture to build a rink in Jamaica, but Anderson does not expect that to materialise anytime soon.
He noted that although a synthetic rink is very different from an authentic one, it will give local players the chance to get regular practice on ice skates.
“We believe this (synthetic rink) is far closer than establishing a rink, which is going to be very costly to put up and to maintain. It will allow us to skate on ice and graduate from roller skates to ice skates,” Anderson said.