The Tribune

FROM March 29 to 31, athletes from across the Caribbean will gather in Nassau for the 42nd annual Carifta Track and Field Championships.

The event takes place under the theme, “A Celebration of Caribbean Unity” and regional financial institution, CIBC FirstCaribbean, has announced its involvement as a sponsor of the event.

Managing director for customer relationship management Trevor Torzsas said the event was tailor-made for CIBC FirstCaribbean’s involvement – as its footprint extends across 17 countries in the region.

Mr Torzsas noted that the sponsorship is in keeping with the bank’s involvement in projects that promote the development of the region’s young people, through its charitable Community Trust Foundation, of which he is a trustee.

He said: “CIBC FirstCaribbean has recognised that an investment in our region’s young people is an investment in our future development, so we have concentrated much of our resources on projects that have a direct benefit for young people – in the areas of education, entrepreneurship and sport.”

CIBC FirstCaribbean’s contribution to the Carifta Games is through its community involvement programme, and Mr Torzsas said that the bank also donates to several sporting activities, especially in support of the youth of the regions.

He said: “CIBC FirstCaribbean’s message speaks to support for the overall development of our youth and encouragement of young people in positive activities, including sports.

“We look forward to the high level of sportsmanship this event has become known for. Our sponsorship of the 42nd Carifta Games signals our encouragement for friendly competition and support for activities that foster Caribbean unity.

“Of course, our community commitment extends far beyond sports into initiatives that help charitable causes and vulnerable groups in our societies. In fact, the same weekend of the Carifta Games, about 100 employees and their families from CIBC FirstCaribbean’s offices all over the Caribbean will be cruising to Nassau and will engage in a community project that involves cleaning up downtown areas and lunching with residents of two local projects – the Nazareth Centre, a children’s home, and the Children’s Emergency Hostel.”

Mr Torzsas also noted that CIBC FirstCaribbean is considering a number of opportunities for sponsorship of Carifta teams around the region through its businesses across the Caribbean.