NAGICO Insurances today August 27, 2014 partnered with the popular Hon. Julian Fraser Save the Seed National Basketball League as its platinum sponsor for the 2014 League. According to the League, the sponsorship package will see NAGICO Insurances providing full coverage for all the Basketball League players, team officials and the League Committee against any injury or death while participating in League. Managing Director of NAGICO Insurances Mr Shan Mohamed (above) said, “We understand the importance of this annual basketball league because it offers a positive outlet for youth in the Territory. Many of the basketball stars we see today in the NBA, the likes of Kobe Bryant, Lebron James and others started in community leagues similar to this tournament. Photo: VINO/File

Hon Julian Fraser RA, (at right) one of two Directors of the League (the other being Bishop John I. Cline, also pictured), said, “It is truly encouraging to see that our brand is popular enough to attract such a sponsorship. I know that an undertaking such as this doesn’t come cheap, so on behalf of Director Bishop Cline and myself, I wish to express my gratitude to NAGICO for their generosity.” Photo: VINO/File

Hon Julian Fraser RA addressing the gathering at the opening of the League on August 15, 2014. Photo: VINO/File

Assistant League Commissioner Milton C. McLean addressing the players and officials at the opening ceremony on August 15, 2014. Photo: VINO/File

League Commissioner Rajah A. Smith speaking at the opening ceremony on August 15, 2014. Photo: VINO/File

Players on the floor preparing for the games. Photo: VINO/File

The teams, officials and sponsors on the day of the commencement of the League on August 15, 2014. Photo: VINO/File

According to the League, the platinum sponsorship package will see NAGICO Insurances providing full coverage for all the Basketball League players, team officials and the League Committee against any injury or death while participating in the Hon. Julian Fraser Save the Seed Basketball League.

The League is now in its second year with a record number of teams for the 2014 season. There are 17 senior teams and 4 junior teams for a total of 21 Teams, a record high from last year, the League announced in a press statement.

The games, which tipped off on August 15, 2014, are being played at the Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff’s Bottom on the main Island of Tortola and are expected to end around November 2, 2014.

Games are being played on the weekends only (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays) with an occasional Wednesday game.

Shan Mohamed, Managing Director of NAGICO Insurances whose agent in the BVI is Century Insurances Agency Ltd, expressed great pleasure to be partnering with the Hon. Julian Fraser Save the Seed Basketball Tournament.

Mr. Mohamed said, "We understand the importance of this annual basketball league because it offers a positive outlet for youth in the Territory. Many of the basketball stars we see today in the NBA, the likes of Kobe Bryant, Lebron James and others started in community leagues similar to this tournament. Players can give 100 per cent on the court knowing that they are being supported and backed fully by NAGICO's superior coverage. As the leading insurance provider in the BVI, NAGICO Insurances is committed to improving the lives of not only our customers, but for residents throughout the Territory. Corporate responsible demands nothing less.”

Mr Mohamed told this news site that NAGICO's platinum sponsorship amount is in the vicinity of $5,000. However insurance coverage for the players and officials that the company is providing is expected to be far exceeding this amount.

Meanwhile Hon Julian Fraser RA, one of two Directors of the League, said, “It is truly encouraging to see that our brand is popular enough to attract such a sponsorship. I know that an undertaking such as this doesn’t come cheap, so on behalf of Director Bishop Cline and myself, I wish to express my gratitude to NAGICO for their generosity.”

“Both the Bishop and I have been saying that our only aim with this league is the development of our youth, I am sure that initiatives such as this will serve to drive that point home. All we ask of our players in return is good behavior, and to follow our rules,” said Hon Fraser.

The other sponsors of the League are; The Hon. Julian Fraser RA, Bishop John I. Cline and the Save the Seed Energy Centre, Ogier, The Ministry of Education and Culture, Caribbean Insurers Ltd., D & B Heavy Equipment Services, Burke’s Garage Ltd., Nanny Cay Hotel and Marina, CIBC First Caribbean International Bank, International Motors and National Bank of the Virgin Islands.

The Hon. Julian Fraser Save the Seed Basketball League continues this weekend with some ten games scheduled.

Schedule of games this weekend

Friday, 29th August 2014

6:00 pm Young Stars Senior vs Real Tool

7:45 pm And One vs Pilipino

9:30 pm Top Shatter vs Spartans

Saturday, 30th August 2014

4:30 pm [9-13] Jr. Young Starz vs Swaggas

5:45 pm Da 3rd vs Run it Red

7:30 pm Avengers vs Game Boys

9:30 pm Bayside Blazers vs West Gunners

Sunday, 31st August 2014

4:30 pm [9-13] YEP vs Jr West Gunners

6:00 pm Ruff House vs Warrias

8:00 pm Talk Done vs Desert Storm