Digicel Bermuda has strengthened its ties with professional squash player Micah Franklin.

The wireless service provider announced yesterday that it has extended its existing sponsorship of the athlete into the new year.

The company has set aside $12,000 that will allow Franklin to attend training camps in Britain as well as competitions in North American and South America and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, where he will fly the Bermuda flag.

This brings the overall figure that the company has invested in the athlete to $20,000 since the partnership began in December 2011.

“The growth we have seen in this young athlete has been remarkable,” said Shane McDonnell, the Digicel Bermuda sales director. “Last year, his goal was to be one of the top 200 squash players in the world; he is now ranked 170th.

“We at Digicel are very proud of Micah and his progress and we are pleased to continue providing support.”

A gracious Franklin, who claimed the bronze medal in men’s singles at this year’s Island Games, thanked the company for its valued and continued support.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to Digicel and everyone involved in my professional squash career,” he said. “I am truly blessed and thankful for such continued support.”

Patrick Foster, director of squash at the Bermuda Squash Racquets Association, added: “Micah is a fantastic role model for all the young kids on our programme.”