PMG Foundation injects P25,000 into tennis tourney
Naledi Lemogang | Friday November 17, 2017 16:18
Speaking at the sponsorship launch in Gaborone this week, PGM Foundation founder, Thola Magang said they are not just sponsors but rather partners since they will be financing the tournament annually.
He said the sponsorship is not for prize monies, is in line with junior competitions’ rules and regulations where players do not receive cash prizes.
“The sponsorship does not cover prize money. However, it will assist BTA to organise a successful tournament by getting trophies, tennis equipment, medals and other needs. When BTA approached us, we did not hesitate to help because we found it in line with our objectives, which is to take part in development of sport in Botswana,” Magang said.
He said the competition would boost the players’ rankings at a young age if combined with other tournaments.
“Our sponsorship is primarily based on the requirements of BTA. Therefore, for now we cannot say it will go beyond this, but in future if the number of participants increases and we observe success, it will lead to an increase of the (sponsorship) money,” he said.
The four-day tournament will be divided into under 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 age groups with the winners in different categories awarded medals and trophies. BTA marketing and public relations officer, Shelton Benzah said they are grateful to PGM Foundation as the sponsorship came at the right time.
“We are going to make sure that we host a successful event like we always do, in order to keep our relationship with PGM Foundation.
The partnership will help the association to increase its activities particularly from the grassroots level as we intend to develop more athletes in the future,” Benzah said.
He further said they are going to invite neighbouring countries and they will be looking forward to retain more medals and trophies saying they will start working now to ensure that they achieve their goal.
“The association is targeting 150-plus participants, therefore we are going to heavily market the tournament to attract more clubs, and local and international players,” he said.