28 Aug 2024

Botswana Defence Force Athletics Club has unveiled sponsors for its marathon slated for Sunday.

The marathon, which is in its 4^th edition, has seen a number of sponsors although the organisers said their ultimate goal was to have a title sponsor.

Some of the sponsors include Dikwata Saccos, who availed P60 000, Botswana Tourism Organisation, who forked out P50 000 towards the electronic time and Mascom Wireless who forked out P30 000. 

Diacore Marathon and Dikwata Insurance Agency assisted with P25 000 each while Premium Clothing gave P10 000 while other sponsors assisted in kind.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, the organising committee chairperson, Major Ishmael Dibebe said they were willing to rename the marathon after the title sponsor should they find one.

He said organising a marathon was costly, and that the electronic time and medals cost around P200 000, adding that they need sponsors to run and maintain the marathon.

Major Dibebe also said apart from assisting less privileged families through the proceeds, the marathon also intended to promote road racing. 

He added that it had been a while since local athletes participated in a road race and cross countries. 

Also, he said this was due to lack of financial support from companies and urged them to support athletes. He added that talent was abundant and only needed motivation.

Major Dibebe also said they were happy to have managed to attract 1 500 participants.   

“I appreciate all those who registered and promise that it will be a well executed marathon to the highest standard,” he said, adding that the feedback from participants was that their previous races were well organised.

In his vote of thanks, Major Motshodisi Motota commended sponsors who heeded their call for assistance and said it was their hope that the good relations between them and sponsors would improve next year.

He said they intended to stage a well organised marathon that would entice athletes and sponsors to come in large numbers next year. Ends