By Jonathan Wong

ERICSSON Singapore and Sony Ericsson jointly donated $20,000 to the Singapore Sports School Sailing Academy at a ceremony at Sentosa Cove last night.

Presented by Ann Emilson, Ericsson Singapore's president and country manager, and Hirokazu Ishizuka, corporate vice-president and head of Asia Pacific, Sony Ericsson, the money will be used to buy sailing equipment for the students.

Guest of honour Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, the Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, said: 'I'm heartened and encouraged to see private-sector support for our national sportsmen and sportswomen.

'This partnership will enhance our sporting scene and make Singapore an even more vibrant sporting nation.'

Ericsson have two boats competing in the Volvo Ocean Race, now on a three-week stopover in Singapore.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on December 24, 2008.