11 Jan 2024

First National Bank Botswana (FNBB) has injected P500 000 toward the Botswana International Cross Country (BICC) marathon penciled for January 27.

Speaking during spnsorship unveiling in Gaborone yesterday, FNBB’s marketing and communications director, Peo Poroga said the sponsorship was an opportunity for the bank to actively contribute to the multi-dimensional developments of athletics in the country.

She said FNBB envisioned the marathon not only as a way to showcase athletic talent, but was also about establishing a legacy, nurturing the dreams of upcoming athletes and positioning the country as a prominent destination for international sporting events in addition to showcasing athletic brilliance.

Apart from the competitive aspect, Poroga said the event served as a platform to promote tourism, cultural exchange and heritage.

She said it was also aimed at highlighting the country’s natural beauty and unite athletes from all over the world for a demanding race set against the breathtaking scenery of the country.
“At FNBB, our interest in sports goes beyond traditional sponsorship; it reflects our dedication to a shared value strategy, which aims to ensure that communities, which FNBB operates in are developed and nurtured for success.”

Poroga said the substantial sponsorship amount they had donated would go toward planning, organising and hosting the BICC as well as prize money for the participating athletes.

Giving an overview of BICC, the long and middle distance marathon coach from Golden Door Sports Agency, Godfrey Jeremiah said the marathon was expected to pull international athletes from Belgium, Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya and South African as well as other SADC countries.

He said BICC was recognised as a gold status event by World Athletics, adding that it was a springboard for the World Cross Country Championships, which would take place in Syria in March.

Jeremiah said among the day’s events were a mixed relay, an eight-kilometre championship for U-20 men and women, a six-kilometre championship for U-20 women, a 10-kilometre championship for senior men and women and a corporate and public team relay for engagement, fun and course testing.

He said the first position in the senior men’s and women’s 10km category would get P26 994.74 (US$2 000), the second position would get  P20 246.06 (US$1 500), the third position would win P 13 497.37 (US$1 000) while the fourth place would get P10 797.90 (US$800).

In the mixed relay, the winner will get P10 797.90 (US$800), second prize winner will get P6 748.69 (US$500) while third position winner will get P2 699.47 (US$200). Ends