The Tribune

By CELESTE NIXON

Tribune Staff Reporter

cnixon@tribunemedia.net

BTC has become the top local sponsor in Bahamas Olympic Association’s history.

With the London Summer Olympics opening ceremony less than two weeks away, CEO Geoff Houston presented the Bahamas Olympic Committee with a $100,000 cheque to help defray the competing teams’ expenses. The cheque was presented at a press conference at BTC headquarters yesterday.

According to BOC secretary general Romell Knowles, BTC is the top local sponsor for the Bahamas Olympic team. It intends to partner with the association for fours until the Brazil Olympics in 2016.

“Today,” said Mr Knowles, “is very significant in the life of the Olympic committee – today we will be signing an agreement that will value just under $300,000 that will definitely make BTC our largest local top sponsor in our history.

“This is a very important milestone and we would like to thank Mr Houston and his team for their corporate and social responsibility – you have made a significant contribution, not only to the Olympic movement but the development of the lives of young athletes who so deservingly represent the Bahamas and need this funding.”

Mr Houston said BTC is delighted to make a donation that will help defray the cost of the Bahamas’ participation in the 2012 Summer Olympics.

“We see sports generally as a part of our corporate and social responsibility programme; our objective in the Bahamas is to continue investing at all levels,” he said. “It is something we enjoy doing, it is a nice partnership when you invest in something that is good and investing in something which is good for the community and it is something our colleagues enjoy, it is a win-win all around.”

With the Olympic games costing the association around $400,000, Mr Knowles said this donation goes a long way to cutting those expenses. 

Still short of their goal, Mr Knowles called on other corporate sponsors, particularly in the government sector, to follow BTC’s example and assist in the development of local athletes.

BTC executives were also presented with a trophy from the International Olympics Committee recognising BTC for “sports and sustainable development.”

BTC wireless product manager Alphanique Duncombe said as part of BTC’s Olympic promotions the corporation will be lowering long distance rates, with “Talk it Up” rates reduced from 35 cents to 25 and as low as 20 cents and vibe services will be activated for free along with a free modem.

The specials will continue for three months, she added, with customers saving up to $200.