Motor Centre continues to finance tennis event

MOSAH MOKGANEDI
Correspondent | Wednesday July 9, 2008 00:00

 

The sponsorship was launched at the Notwane tennis centre on Monday. It is 10th year the car giant has sponsored the event.

The tournament will be held over the President's Day holidays in Gaborone. Unlike in the past where the competition only had an open event and the veterans category, this year will feature junior's in three age sets. In a departure from the past, the senior mens category will be divided in two sub-categories of 35-44 years and 45 years and above.

BTA spokesperson Tuelo Serufho said the veteran womens category will not be divided because they expect the entry of female players to be low. Tennis lovers have hailed the increase of categories, as many players will have a chance to play.

When unveiling the sponsorship, the Motor Centre group Managing Director, Yusuf Dada applauded BTA for improving tennis in the country. He said though tennis continues to face financial problems BTA has done its best in taking the sport to the masses. Dada said tennis needed more financial support to start leagues for other age groups. He appealed to other companies to come to the aid of BTA.

'We pride ourselves in contributing to the development of this country's community in different ways,' Dada said. He hopes that this year's tournament will attract more players for the benefit of the game and the sponsors. Dada added that his company goes beyond just sponsoring the tournament as they have financed other aspects of the sport.

When receiving the sponsorship cheque, Serufho thanked Motor Centre for the gesture and said BTA prides itself in keeping a sponsor for such a long time. He added that it was not easy to keep sponsors for a long time and the relationship between BTA and Motor Centre can only be a sign of good things. Serufho expressed hope that the company will continue to support them at the time when getting financial partners is hard. He assured the company that BTA will do everything to nurture the sponsorship.