BNSC still looking for awards sponsor

MOSAH MOKGANEDI
Correspondent | Wednesday February 10, 2010 00:00

 

BNSC marketing and communications manager, Modipe Nkwe said although they have no sponsor, a number of companies have shown interest in financing the event. But with or without a sponsor, the awards ceremony will go ahead. 'We have an obligation to reward athletes and if we do not get a sponsor, we will have to find a way to host the event,' Nkwe said.

He conceded that the absence of a financial backer might compromise the quality of the event. Nkwe blamed the global economic recession, arguing that the downturn has made it difficult for the council to secure a long-term sponsor for the awards. Blue, a micro financier, sponsored the last edition of the awards. Before then, Barloworld had a longstanding relationship with BNSC but withdrew its financial backing in 2007.

Meanwhile, Nkwe said other preparations for hosting the awards' ceremony are going on as planned. He said affiliates continue to submit nominees for the awards and adjudication will start soon. The submission of nominees was abandoned three years ago but was re-introduced this year after the previous selection process was deemed ineffective. Under the previous arrangement, judges were expected to monitor athletes' performances throughout the year but this proved an arduous task. Nkwe said for the first time, nominees for the Chairperson's Award will be chosen by the public. Previously, the BNSC chairperson had the sole right of choosing the winner.