National Sports

Old Mutual sponsors two athletes for Soweto Marathon

Old Mutal  Malawi plc has honoured its pledge to sponsor two athletes to participate in  the Soweto Marathon set for Sunday in South Africa.

The financial services group promised to sponsor men’s and women’s  champions in the 21 kilometres (km) Zomba Run4Reforestation race held on September 7 which Kefasi Kasiteni and Doris Fisha won to qualify for the offer.

Kasiteni (C) and Fisha (4thR) pose with officials after winning the race

In an interview yesterday, Old Mutal Malawi plc marketing and corporate affairs  manager Patience Chatsika said the company has spent K2.5 million for air tickets and accommodation as well as marathon fees. 

She said the  initiative will help to develop athletics in the country.

Said Chatsika: “As a responsible business, Old Mutual believes in continuously adding value to the communities in which we operate. We believe that through such international exposures Old Mutual is able to assist in developing and building the skills of our athletes as they will be exposed to bigger challenges in one of the most participated marathons in Africa.”

In an interview, Athletics Association of Malawi (AAM) general secretary Frank Chitembeya applauded the company  for helping the athletes.

“Athletics association lacks such support. We are grateful for the offer and hope that they should continue doing it,” he said.

Kasiteni said he will do his best to do well.

“This is a big international competition, but I will fight to finish within the prize-winning bracket,” he said. Fisha said: “I am geared for the competition and hoping to do well.

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