The project, organized by Taino Trade and Investment Ltd. which has a contract with the Valencia Foundation, saw the staging of the Valencia C.F. Foundation’s Generation Soccer training camp programme, designed to facilitate the elevation of Jamaican football through improving the skill set of the anticipated players as well as establishing a relationship with a major football entity and member of La Liga.

In March 2010, five Valencia coaches were deployed to Jamaica as well as one official from the Valencia C.F. Foundation to offer their expertise to a wide cross section of some 100 children who were slated for participation in the camp scheduled for March 28 – April 1, 2010. The camp aimed to enable participants to experience Spanish style football, develop new and lasting friendships as well as develop their football skills and acquire new ones.

Given that the Foundation is mandated to promoting sporting, educational and socially oriented projects, it was without a doubt that we decided to collaborate on this project.

The camp saw the successful graduation of all its participants. In addition to that, the opportunity of a lifetime was presented to the three most outstanding performers, to participate in the summer camp in Valencia, Spain in July of this year, courtesy of sponsors Claro and Scotiabank.

The Spanish-Jamaican Foundation was on the 22nd of October, the recipient of an Award of Recognition for outstanding contributions to the promotion of Jamaican Heritage. The award was presented by the Chairman Mr. Patrick Stanigar at an award ceremony held at the Courtleigh Auditorium. The Spanish Jamaican Foundation has had long standing relations with the JNHT and has worked in collaboration with them on projects such as the Jamaica Heritage Trail and the upcoming New Seville Refurbishment Project.

On Thursday September 17, 2009, the Spanish Ambassador to Jamaica, Jesus Silva hosted an appreciation ceremony for several of the sponsors who contributed towards the newly constructed King of Spain Ward at the Spanish Town Hospital.

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On October 7, 2009, Seawind Key Investments Limited, announced that they would be donating J$3 million to the expansion of the Holy Family Self Help Centre in the inner-city community of Mt. Salem, Montego Bay. The announcement was made during a signing ceremony at the institution by Seawind Key’s chairman Salvador Luque Garcia, the Fuerte Foundation,( a Spain based charitable organization) and the Most Rev. Bishop Charles Dufour.

Seawind Key’s donation will account for 80 per cent of the funds required, while the other 20 per cent contributed will be evenly split between the Fuerte Foundation and the Catholic Church. The self help centre offers skills training primarily to single mothers in housekeeping and waitressing, and has seen the successful graduation of approximately 1500 men and women since 1997.

The money donated will be used to construct two new wings on the existing property, facilitating the expansion of training rooms for prospective tourism workers. “Basic computer skills are also taught and sewing for those still interested in the skill,” said Bishop of Montego Bay, Rev. Charles Dufour.