adminBulawayo Athletics Board (BAB) secretary-general Dailes Bingadadi said they met with the beverages company last week and agreed on the sponsorship deal.
“We are very happy that the sponsors have agreed to once again partner us in the ZITF Four-Minute Mile event. They said they would maintain last year’s package.
“As it is we are busy holding trials and those that make it will compete in the final,” Bingadadi said.
An executive at Delta Beverages who did not want to be named confirmed that they would sponsor the race.
He said the sponsorship package would be availed at a later date.
“The company is committed to playing a big role when it comes to social corporate responsibility programmes and the ZITF Four-Minute Mile race is part of those events that we have adopted.
“Right now we cannot quantify the total amount of the sponsorship package because there are t-shirts and kits that we are going to purchase for athletes.
“The corporate affairs department will announce the total package some time soon,” said the official.
Winners of last year’s competition in the men’s and women’s categories got $500, second prize was $400 the third prize was $350, fourth was $300 and fifth got $250. The prizes for sixth to 10th position ranged from $25 to $150.
The winners were also presented with medals while those who took part in the race got T-shirts and Delta beverages sponsored kits.
Meanwhile, Ziscosteel athlete Kelvin Gundani became the second player to make it for the 2012 ZITF Four-Minute Mile event during trials held in Kwekwe at the weekend.
He joins Jacob Mugomeri who made it at the Mashonaland West track and field event that was held in Kadoma last week.
According to Bingadadi, the qualifying time for the ZITF Delta Beverages Four-Minute Mile race is four minutes 31 seconds. Those who run within this time proceed to the finals.
“All athletes who want to compete at the finals will have to go through qualifiers or else they will miss out,” said Bingadadi.
Sparrows Athletics Club’s Trust Hove won last year’s edition in four minutes 21.22 seconds, beating 24 other contestants.
The next trials are in Zvishavane, Gwanda and the ZITF Arena just before the finals.
Bab will announce dates for qualifiers soon.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter