Old Mutual plans big for athletics
19/04/2010

Old Mutual has pledged to assist Athletics Association of Malawi (AAM) after donating 48 pairs of sports shoes as complementary prizes for national athletics championship held at Chancellor College's Chirunga Stadium in Zomba. Old Mutual marketing executive Peter Kambalame said the insurance firm decided to assist athletics because its parent company in South Africa had been associating with athletics.

Kambale disclosed that the insurance firm would like to nurture the talent of promising athletes for them to compete favourably at the annual Two Oceans Marathon sponsored by their parent company Old Mutual in South Africa. The marathon is held in Soweto and the country's long distance great Henry Moyo has participated twice, including last year's competition. "We would like our customers to see us through our choice of sponsorships as a brand that is committed to develop local talent in sport," Kambalame said. "We would like people to see that we are a brand that understands their passions, engages with them and gives them a great experience." He said the athletes had the potential to become top athletes in the world if they could be supported.

Billy Investments managing director Billy Chatepa of Zomba also donated 10 pairs of sports shoes valued at K40,000. "I like sports and I have supported boxing and Zomba United before," Chatepa said. "I am planning to sponsor an athletics competition in Zomba soon." He also disclosed that he was considering a long term relationship with athletics. Malawi National Council of Sports official Ruth Mzengo, who graced the event, applauded Old Mutual and Billy Investments for the support. "I would like to thank Old Mutual and Billy Investments for deciding to support athletics," Mzengo said.

AAM president Richard Nyirongo appealed to the athletes to work hard for the association to attract more sponsorship. "I would like to appeal to athletes to be dedicated because the donation from Old Mutual and Billy Investments shows that people are willing to help athletics," Nyirongo said.

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