Nashua increase independence Golf Tourney sponsorship

NELSON DIRENG
Correspondent | Monday August 30, 2010 00:00

Last year Nashua sponsored the event to the tune of P50,000.

Nashua unveiled the new sponsorship at the Gaborone Golf Club (GGC) Par 5 restaurant last week when a cheque for P60,000 was handed over to the Botswana Golf Union (BGU) whilst more than P40, 000 has been spent on the new logo, scorecards, golf shirts and caps for the more than 240 golfers who are expected to tee-off in the September 18-19 Independence Trophy tournament.

The Independence Trophy is the premier tournament on Botswana's golf calendar, attracting the largest number of participants from across the country.

In the men's category the defending champion is Orapa-based Diane Lucas, whilst Unami Mogocha is the undisputed queen.

Speaking at the cheque presentation ceremony, BGU president Andrew Hall said the Independence Trophy tournament helps promote and develop the level of golf in the country.

He said the tournament also gives players an opportunity to showcase their skills. The inaugural golf Independence Trophy tournament was held back in 1967. The trophy has had several sponsors but to date Nashua has been the greatest sponsor, sponsoring the tournament with more than double what they offered the first year.

'We will increase the sponsorship next year if the need arises,' said Nashua managing director, Sean Irish. He said it is an honour for Nashua to be part of the biggest golfing tournament in Botswana. He said that as a marketing strategy, Nashua companies across the continent have engaged in corporate social responsibility of sponsoring sport events.

'A lot of people watch sports and an effective way of reaching our customers is by doing it through sports,' he said. Irish said they have been able to sponsor different sports codes in Botswana, including rugby, cricket, swimming and karate. 'We will continue pushing the development of sports through our sponsorships,' he said.

Irish revealed that they have future plans for golf development in the country, which they are currently discussing with the BGU. He said they want to take one of the juniors under their wing and expose the players to professional training in South Africa. 'This programme will continue until we get our very own Tiger Woods,' he said.

In 2005 the Independence Trophy tournament for the first time incorporated a women's tournament.

Plans for the following year included incorporating a junior tournament as the BGU have embarked on a long-term development programme that is expected to produce world-class athletes. The BGU is currently running a junior clinic, where they have engaged a coach, Joe Lekgowa as the overseer.

Meanwhile, prizes will be awarded to the best performing athletes after the tournament. The prizes will however not include cash prizes, as it is against the international golf governing body's rules