BAA defends Senn Foods sponsorship

MOSAH MOKGANEDI
Staff Writer | Friday April 19, 2013 00:00

 

 What was supposed to be a merry occasion meant to announce the partnership in Gaborone yesterday, turned into a grilling session with journalists querying the value of the deal. The company, which produces processed meats, pledged P44, 000, the same amount as last year, but scribes felt the amount was not commensurate with the event.  Winners are guaranteed P1, 000, while runners-up will receive P600. Athletes who break records will receive P5, 000.

BAA vice president, Glody Dube came to the defence of the company after members of the media raised concerns about the amount of the sponsorship. Dube said it was commendable that Senn Foods came to their rescue last year after Debswana pulled out. 'Of course we accept that compared to other countries in the region the sponsorship is little but we do appreciate it,' he said.

Dube said they were open to other sponsors coming on board. Dube said they believe the sponsorship will grow with time. Confederation of Athletics Association (CAA) Southern African Region (SAR) president, Moses Moruise, commended Senn Foods. He said the company did the right thing by partnering with the BAA. He also promised that they would not disappoint Senn Foods in their relationship. 'You sponsored us on a voluntary basis and you deserve a big applause for that,' he said.

Meanwhile, Senn Foods chief executive officer (CEO) Lakshminarayanan Venkataraman said they were excited to partner with a successful code. 'The event is important as it presents an opportunity for participants to train for coming regional and international events,' he said. Venkataraman said at Senn Foods they believe that by actively supporting the development of sport many budding athletes will realise their full potential.

The event to be called Senn Foods National Championships will be held at the UB Stadium next Saturday.