Stanbic Doubles Cash Prizes For Diacore Winners
Naledi Lemogang | Monday June 19, 2017 16:22
The bank increased the first prize money from P5,000 to P10,000, as this year’s edition marked five consecutive years of the partnership between Stanbic and the marathon.
This year’s competition saw the top performing Motswana male athlete, in the 21.1km race, Rapula Diphoko, clock 01:03:58 beating his 2016 record time. His female counterpart, Onneile Dintwe completed her race in 01:20:51. Each received P10,000 from Stanbic Bank for their efforts, along with sporting merchandise courtesy of the bank.
Speaking during the hand over of prizes, Stanbic head of corporate and investment banking, Sheperd Asiam said they want to ensure that Botswana’s athletics talent is grown to its full potential.
“We hope this gesture goes some way towards helping us achieve the goal of greater access to and development of local sporting talent, allowing us to produce more incredible stars,” Asiam said.
He said they appreciate the fantastic work that the athletes put, therefore they would continue to empower the individuals so that they win. The bank also donated P116,000 to the African Leadership Academy, an organisation that seeks to empower youth through networking, mentoring and leadership skills.
Dintwe expressed her gratitude during the event saying that the recognition and appreciation will encourage her to continue doing well so that she gets better every year. “I am humbled by Stanbic Bank’s prize.
Platforms such as these are a springboard to other regional and even international races,” she said. Diphoko who went to Zimbabwe for 21.1km marathon said he was grateful for the support he gets from the bank and Diacore because they keep him moving every time.
He said the prizes assist him during preparations and throughout international competitions. Meanwhile, Diacore marathon spokesperson, Thato Makgato said their aim is to see Botswana-born athletes running highly competitive times as a stepping-stone to qualifying for other major international events.
He said this year’s marathon continued to build upon its reputation as the region’s favoured half-marathon with a record turnout from local, regional and international athletes and amateurs intent on doing their very best.