Grange says Reggae Girlz got monetary support from gov’t
Vanassa McKenzie / Our Today
Amid the firestorm over funding support for the Reggae Girlz’s 2023 FIFA World Cup campaign, Sport Minister Olivia Grange is dismissing reports that the Government did not contribute to sustain the team’s participation in the major global sporting event unfolding in Australia.
In a statement on Wednesday, August 2, as she congratulated the Reggae Girlz on their qualification to the knockout stage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup after drawing 0-0 with Brazil, Grange said that the Government allocated $20 million towards the Reggae Girlz 2023 World Cup campaign.
Of the $20 million, she said half is being paid directly to the players of the team through the ministry’s athlete assistance programme.
The sport minister also noted that both her ministry and the Sports Development Foundation provide a monthly contribution of $3 million, which amounts to $36 million per annum, to the JFF for its programmes.
“In addition, the Government insures the Reggae Girlz under the Jamaica Athlete Insurance Plan, which covers all health-related services including injuries and overseas emergency services up to US$100,000 per athlete,” she said.
Grange said that the Reggae Girlz are a source of inspiration for Jamaica and are deserving of full support.
” I am happy that the Government has been able to support the Jamaica Football Federation and the women’s programme on yet another successful World Cup campaign,” the sport minister continued.
She emphasised that the Reggae Girlz, the Sunshine Girls and the women’s volleyball team have performed outstandingly to give Jamaica a special gift to celebrate the nation’s 61st Independence.
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