adminChipo Sabeta
Wheelchair racing sensation Margret Bangajena, is over the moon following a recent sponsorship deal with Delight Africa Ground under their Delight Cover subsidiary. Bangajena was diagnosed with Osteogenic sarcoma — a cancer that affected her bones, leading to amputation at 15 years.
Under Delight Cover, her trips locally and internationally are now funded. Her 15-year-old son’s school fees as a boarder at St Johns Chikwakwa will be paid for until he finishes high school.
Today, marketing opportunities for elite disabled athletes like Bangajena are beginning, however, slowly to move beyond the basic business.
Corporate endorsements, prize money and more are making their way into disabled sports while the media is giving the movement some much-needed exposure.
As an athlete, Bangajena has written her name in the history books as one of the most successful paralympians. After amputation she underwent rehabilitation at Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre, where she pursued wheelchair basketball and wheelchair racing.
Chief Executive Officer of Delight Africa Group, Kevin Musekiwa, said it was their wish to see Bangajena fulfil her dreams.
Musekiwa believes Bangajena will be a good brand ambassador and help them reach their potential clients.
“It’s for her glory and we are happy as Delight Africa Group to be associated with her. She is such a wonderful woman. She is full of life.
“We love sport and opted to support her as a way of giving back to the community. There is also a general bias when corporates prefer team sports and popular sport codes like football,” he said.
At a time when boxer Charles Manyuchi had fallen from glory, Delight Africa Group under their Delight Credit subsidiary sponsored his comeback into the ring when he defeated Argentine fighter Pablo Ezequiel Acosta via a TKO recently.
Bangajena also thanked the sponsors: “If you become disabled, how will you and your family survive and pay for your mortgage, utilities, groceries and other daily living expenses? I want to thank Delight Africa Group for coming to my rescue. For me, this cover will cushion me and enable me to concentrate on my sport. I won’t need to worry about my general welfare and my family,” Bangajena said.
“Sport sponsorship of local disabled athletes could somehow help companies to reach their business goals and improve their results, thanks to the influence this sponsorship has, or might have on consumers and athletes. I will carry the Delight Cover brand with pride wherever I go.”
Since competing professionally, Bangajena has become a multiple award winner in international competition that includes George Outeniqua International Wheelchair Marathon, World Cup 1 Para Rowing in Italy, Rio Brazil Paralympic Games, Wheelchair Marathon (42km) South Africa Silver medal and World Cup 3 Para Rowing in Poland.
Locally, Bangajena participated and won gold at events like Chitungwiza Silver medal, Tanganda Half Marathon, Old Mutual Marathons, Danhiko Annual Paralympic, PPC Matopos, JM Busha Race, Econet Vicfalls Marathon, CBZ marathon among others.
She is the reigning Sports Woman of the Year with disability. Bangajena is also a nominee at Zimbabwe International Women’s Awards UK and Regional Annual Sports Awards (RASA) this year.
Bongani Ndlovu