By Jacob Ajom
The 2011 GT Assur/Lagos Twenty20 Cricket tournament which began last weekend has been boosted by the release of a N1.3 million cheque by the sponsors GT Assur to the Lagos state Cricket Association for the smooth organisation of the tournament.

In his speech during the cheque presentation ceremony which held at the corporate headquarters of the company, General Mnager of GT Assur, Owolabi Salami said the company’s commitment to sports was strengthened by its desire to give back to the society that has made it what it is today.

He said, “as a socially responsible corporate citizen, GT Assur is committed to the development of the Nigerian youth. We believe in the total development of the youth and we know sports is one of the ways we can achieve this goal.”

Defending the choice of cricket for sponsorship, Salami said that cricket had similar ideals and philosophy to that of his company which promote hardwork, dedication, focus and respect for one another. “Cricket is a game for gentlemen who are sincere, dedicated and diligent.

You cannot get it better,” he emphasised, adding that having been satisfied with the commitment and organisational savvy exhibited by the Lagos State Cricket Association, the company was prepared to continue with the sponsorship of the tournament for a long time to come.

In his response, chairman of the Lagos State Cricket Association, Kofi Sagoe said his board was prepared to justify the confidence the sponsors had in them and promised a smooth and hitch-free organisation of the tournament which is the fourth in the series.