Hallmark pumps K12m in South Volleyball

Southern Region Volleyball League’s (SRVL) four-year sponsorship drought is finally over after securing a K12 million season-long package from Hallmark Limited.

The printing and general supply company’s managing director Gift Chidya Gondwe announced the package during the tournament’s launch on Saturday at Machinga Teachers Training College.

He said the sponsorship is part of the company’s 10th anniversary celebrations, but is subject to renewal upon satisfying conditions such as non-violence, competitiveness and financial prudence.

Gondwe said: “Volleyball is one of the sport disciplines with structures even in remotest areas and is dear to the people’s hearts. Therefore, as Hallmark celebrates a decade of existence, we thought it wise to support volleyball and we are happy to be associated with the sport.

“This is also part of our corporate social investment and a way of helping volleyball to produce talent good enough to represent the country on the international stage.”

The league’s chairperson Ambilike Mwaungulu said they are grateful to Hallmark for the timely support and they will do their best to safeguard it.

“We have been financially struggling for the past four years due to scarcity of corporate support. Now that we have managed to secure such a meaningful sponsorship, we will jealously safeguard it through financial prudence and ensuring the league is competitive. We will also promote the sponsor’s brand,” he said.

Mwaungulu said the league is expected to start at zonal level in all the region’s 13 districts with top-three teams from each district qualifying for the regional finals.

Last year, Hallmark Limited bankrolled Hewe United in the Simama Northern Region Football Association Premier League. The firm also sponsors darts and golf.