Chronicle Editor
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
COCA-COLA, the main sponsors of the Bonaqua Troutbeck Africa Triathlon Union Sprint Triathlon African Cup are happy with the proficient manner in which the event is run by Triathlon Zimbabwe.
Faith Nehanda, the frontline marketing portfolio activation manager, Coca-Cola East and Central Africa franchise said as Coca-Cola and Schweppes, through the Bonaqua brand, they are happy to be investing in sport. She was speaking during a virtual triathlon media workshop held last Tuesday.
“We are proud of our seven-year relationship with the sport of triathlon in Zimbabwe. We have sponsored the Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup that takes place at the Troutbeck Resort in Nyanga for three years with Schweppes water and is in the fourth year with Bonaqua, making it at the prestigious event on fifty per cent of the times since inception fourteen years ago.
“We have been together for seven consecutive years. Our sponsorship and association continue to grow such that putting a monetary value may be meaningless. We love the triathlete’s essence as they compete with the spirit of enthusiasm, fairness and sportsmanship,’’ Nehanda said.
She made it clear that the reasons that have continued bankrolling the annual event organised and executed.
David Ellis is the Triathlon Zimbabwe president.
“One of the key reasons we have stayed this long is the professionalism exhibited by the Triathlon Zimbabwe and the organisers of this jam-packed, action-filled sport in this multi-sports festival called Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup.
“At Coca-Cola, we believe sport is essential. Triathlon, which combines swimming, cycling, and running – suits our brand Bonaqua very well,’’ she said.
With international competitors always present at the Bonaqua Troutbeck Africa Triathlon Union Sprint Triathlon African Cup, the event become a perfect opportunity to market the country.
“As the Coca-Cola Company and our bottling partner, Schweppes Zimbabwe Limited, we are pleased to sponsor this event which has been of great value to the country and the athletes. Triathlon has been a good model when it comes to promoting sports tourism,’’ Nehanda said.
Other sponsors of the Bonaqua Troutbeck Africa Triathlon Union Sprint Triathlon African Cup are Bon Marche, Toyota, Cimas and Rooney’s Hire Services.
This year, the 14th edition of the Bonaqua Troutbeck Africa Triathlon Union Sprint Triathlon African Cup is taking place on 25 September. It was initially meant to held on 20 February but had to be rescheduled to September because of the coronavirus pandemic. -@Mdawini_29
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