JAMAICA'S SUCCESS at the Beijing Olympics has begun to reap rewards, not only for the athletes, but also for the Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association (JAAA) - in a small way.

At its 'Athlete of the Year' luncheon held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel this week, the JAAA received assistance from two organisations in different forms.

$1-million cheque

The Florida-based Jamaica United Relief Association handed over a US$14,000 (about J$1 million) cheque to JAAA president, Howard Aris.

This figure, according to the organisation, would be given for another two years to assist in preparations for the 2012 Olympics in London.

Anya Schnoor, chief executive officer of Scotia DBG Investment, also announced her company's contribution at the event.

Schnoor said her company would partner with the JAAA for the next three years to host the Athletes of the Year awards fund-raising dinner.

Scotiabank, she said, would underwrite the full costs, with proceeds going to the JAAA.

"We look forward to working with the JAAA," Schnoor said.

Plea for assistance

The announcements were made after Aris, who commended his administrators and coaches for their work in 2008, pleaded for assistance.

"We are moving into our new home soon and will have more overhead costs," he said of the soon to be opened Tremaine Road headquarters.