Supported and sponsored by Birmingham-based producers of chilled pattie retail brand leader Island Delight, Cleone Foods regularly donate a selection of patties to be sold during the event to help raise club funds. They also provide financial and practical support such as helping with any photography and design work needs the club may have throughout the year.
Cleone Foods Island Delight Product Manager, Simon Noble, has been involved with the club since 2008: “I first became involved after my long-time friend, a voluntary coach at St Francis at the time, invited me along to help out, even though I’d never boxed in my life and as the story goes, I’ve been helping out ever since.
“Cleone Foods’ involvement and the donation of Island Delight Jamaican savoury patties, are based on our appreciation of what the club truly represents; a rare opportunity for youth of different faiths and backgrounds to meet and pursue a common interest, emphasising similarities rather than differences between them.
“Sponsorship of the club builds on the synergy between the company’s ethos of friendliness, co-operation and community self-support, and its approach to modern responsible business practice.”
Although St. Francis is long established and their gym popular and well attended, staging of bouts involves high costs for ring hire, ABA officials, doctor’s fees etc. which all adds up, so without sponsorship, local clubs such as St Francis simply wouldn’t exist.
Head Coach Peter Christie stated “The current economic climate has led to a big reduction in the number of sponsors for the club, without the continuing support of Cleone Foods’ Island Delight it is unlikely that the club would be able to continue.”
Fitness, confidence and sportsmanship, amateur boxers learn how to be good losers, and more importantly, how to be good winners. Boxing can help change young lives, altering an individual’s perspective on life; as they become disciplined and respectful to all around them, helping build and develop focus to become one of life’s champions.
Original shortcrust and new flaky pastry varieties of Island Delight Jamaican patties are available from major retailers including Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, The Co-operative, Morrisons, foodservice, independent retailers and distributors.
