Blow for Phikwe Marathon as Mascom pulls out
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday May 2, 2014 15:52
She explained that every year, they evaluate the pros and cons of the events they are involved in.
She said in the process, the company decides which events they should disinvest from. She stated that Mascom decided to pull out of the Phikwe Marathon and the annual music festival, Boosta Bash.
Mascom has been part of the marathon for the past eight years. Last year the company increased its sponsorship from P303,000 to P320,000.
The marathon, which has a rich history, began in 1985. The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) classifies the route as one of the best in the world.
The race is used as a qualifier for major events.
Lebotse-Sebego said the intention of sponsoring the marathon was to reach out to the Selebi-Phikwe community.
“We will still find a way to engage with the community through various means. Despite that, we are still part of the Gaborone Marathon,” she said.
Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) spokesperson, Ipolokeng Ramatshaba said it is sad to lose such a huge sponsorship.
He said the BAA has not received communication from the marathon’s organising committee regarding Mascom’s withdrawal. He said they could only map a way forward after they hear Mascom’s reasons for pulling out.
It is understood that BAA had proposed the suspension of the marathon in 2012 because of organisational issues.
Meanwhile, BCL Mine public relations and marketing manager, James Molosankwe said his company has always supported the marathon.
He stated that they are supporting the race due to the value it brings to the town. Molosankwe explained that BCL has never been a title sponsor.
The 2014 Phikwe Marathon is expected to go ahead on June 14. The organisers said they are still engaged in meetings to chart the way forward.