BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Royal Beach Casino has renewed its partnership with the local Caribbean Premier League (CPL) franchise – the St. Kitts-Nevis Patriots - with an increased donation yesterday (Jul. 28) at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort.
Patriots’ Chief Operations Officer, Richard Berridge told SKNVibes Sports that the organization is happy with having renewed sponsorship with the casino, which is in its second year of partnering with the franchise.
He noted that for 2017, the gaming establishment has increased its sponsorship allocation.
In 2016 it partnered to the tune of US$27,500, but this year that figure went up by US$8,500.
“As I’ve said before, for this product to sustain itself long term, we have to partner not only with local companies but with global brands as well in order to take advantage that is created with CPL.”
Berridge pointed out that they are in need of such sponsorship, taking into account the players’ salary cap of US$800,000.
Royal Beach Casino President, Ugo Gagliardi said the monetary contribution represents more than the US$36,000 that was handed over.
He stated that it speaks to the organizing of the tournament and the value of working with a professional organization like that of the Patriots.
“Working with an organization like the Patriots, I was very impressed with Richard, the administrative staff and the team members. It was an easy decision to make and I believe that this thing has a great platform to grow and grow. And as the Minister of Sports said, this is the example and aspiration of young people in the Caribbean.”
The President explained that in the Federation and the wider Caribbean, people look up to the American stars, “but we have our own stars and we have a beautiful sport of cricket which internationally is well represented”.
West Indies T20 captain and Patriots player, Carlos Brathwaite thanked the Casino for partnering with his team for the 2017 competition, pointing out that it is always fun to return to the Federation and play cricket.
“It is good that local businesses can be part of the CPL, which is an international brand and growing in stature, and thanks once again to Royal Beach Casino. And may the partnership continue between the SKN Patriots and the Royal Beach Casino…”
The team has begun its encampment ahead of the tournament and will be playing a number of warm up matches before the competition begins next month in Florida.
