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Joma Caribbean, through its partnership with Cool & Smooth, has made a significant contribution to local sports development by officially presenting 160 footballs to the Ministry of Sports on Wednesday, September 17th. The handover ceremony took place at the Joma Caribbean headquarters on All Saints Road, marking another milestone in the company’s ongoing commitment to youth athletics in Antigua and Barbuda.
George Hourani, Manager of Joma Caribbean, emphasized the company’s vision of creating sports independence in the region. “Joma is relatively new to Antigua, but it carries the same heritage as major brands like Puma and Adidas,” Hourani explained. “If you go to any European country, Joma sponsors numerous football teams, including Spain’s national team, as well as many disabled athletes and Paralympic competitors.”
The donation aligns with Joma’s broader mission to reduce Caribbean dependence on international sporting goods suppliers. “The idea with the brand was to not be dependent on the bigger brands in the Caribbean,” Hourani noted. “We want to reach a threshold where we don’t have to reach out to other countries or brands to ensure our youth have access to quality gear and equipment.”
Central to Joma Caribbean’s philosophy is their focus on supporting underprivileged children in the community.
“You have a lot of youths on the street that need somewhere to go and that little push to find direction,” Hourani said. “When you have them dressed up in proper gear and give them quality equipment, they often out-perform athletes who have been training for years.”
The company’s dedication to sports stems from strong family traditions. Hourani shared that sports, particularly football, runs deep in his family heritage. “My uncles and my whole family love football. I used to play with Tamo FC. Sport is very important to my family in general.”
The football donation represents the latest chapter in Joma Caribbean’s sustained partnership with local educational institutions. The company has maintained a consistent presence in schools across Antigua and Barbuda, supporting various sporting initiatives and ensuring students have access to quality equipment.
The timing of this donation is particularly significant as schools prepare for the upcoming football season, providing essential equipment that will directly benefit student athletes across the nation.
Sports Coordinator at the Ministry of Sports Heather Samuel-Daley expressed sincere appreciation for Cool & Smooth and Joma Caribbean’s continued investment in local sports development. This partnership exemplifies the positive impact that private sector engagement can have on youth athletics and community development.
The 160 footballs will be distributed to schools throughout Antigua and Barbuda, ensuring that students across the twin-island nation have access to quality equipment as they pursue their athletic and personal development goals.
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