NAAZ receives financial boost

Curtworth Masango

Baldmin Holdings pledged to continue supporting local athletics after unveiling a new sponsorship package for the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ).

The mining and medical group unveiled a US$30 000 package for five races, the Junior Championship, Takawira Triangular series, Artwell Mandaza series, Robert Mutsauki series and the 10 000m series.

Baldmin Holdings managing director, Costa Takawira, said athletics took him places despite his rural background. He believes many athletes can also be uplifted through the same path.

“We have also sponsored the Shabani Mine race in the past. We first started by funding some students who give scholarships at Allan Wilson High School. We decided to approach the association to help us implement on plans on a national level. It’s a journey I have travelled, which can also uplift a number of athletes.

“We send five to 10 students per year to America on full scholarship funding between the ages of 17 and 24 years. We also have our associates in America, who are fellow athletes and coaches. These guys help our students with everything the moment they arrive there and to date we haven’t received a single complaint about those we have sent.

“We will engage different stakeholders from America to also be part of our races to make it an international event. We will also bring other corporates to partner with the athletics association.”

NAAZ president, Tendai Tagara, said the association is grateful to Baldmin Holdings for supporting the association with a clear vision.

“I want to thank Takawira for having confidence in our organisation. A number of companies no longer have trust in associations. But we would like to thank him for giving us a chance. He first came on board supporting the Junior Championship in 2021 and since then he has tabled bigger offers,” he said.