17 Mar 2024

Metropolitan has renewed its partnership with the Botswana Chess Federation (BCF) with a whooping sponsorship of  P152 800 that will go towards the annual chess tournament.

Unveiling the sponsorship in Gaborone on March 14, Metropolitan Life Botswana chief executive officer, Boitumelo Mogopa said the company had been a stalwart supporter of intellectual pursuits and strategic thinking for over two decades as exemplified by an unwavering commitment to BCF.

“I am thrilled to announce our continued sponsorship with a generous contribution of P152 800 for the upcoming tournament. Throughout our partnership with BCF, Metropolitan has contributed significantly with the sponsorship of P1.5 million,” she said.

Mogopa said the substantial investment underscored Metropolitan steadfast commitment to fostering intellectual growth, promoting inclusivity and empowering a generation of strategic thinkers.

She said through the partnership, Metropolitan remained dedicated to furthering the reach and impact of chess within the community.

Mogopa shared that Metropolitan was committed to advocating for the girl child within the world of chess. She recognised and applauded the remarkable success of the chess championships and the girl child involved in the sport.

She said Metropolitan was championing a mindset change in the world of sports, especially chess.

“Our sponsorship is not just a financial contribution; it is a declaration that every individual, irrespective of gender has the right to pursue their passion and excel in the field they choose,” she said.

Mogopa said by supporting and investing in the chess community, Metropolitan was not just promoting the game but actively cultivating the intellectual giants and visionaries of tomorrow and contributing to a future where strategic minds thrive.

She said their support extended far beyond the chess board, adding that Metropolitan was a partner in the journey towards a secure, healthy and prosperous future.

“Together, let us make strategic moves on the chessboard of life, supporting one another and building a legacy that transcends generations,” she said.

BCF president, Mooketsi Segaise said their relationship with Metropolitan was deep-rooted as the company was committed to growing the sport through financial support. Segaise said chess was not just a sport, but rather a tool of education, excellence and cognitive thinking.

He said Metropolitan was not only interested in pioneering and producing winners but it was equally contributing to academic excellence by sponsoring chess players for tertiary education.

Some of the recipients of such sponsorships are Besa Masaiti and Naledi Marape

He said the current defending champions of the annual Metropolitan Chess Tournament, Fide Master Gomolemo Rongwane and Woman Candidate Master Natalie Banda were part of the national team of athletes representing the country at the African Games in Accra, Ghana.

Meanwhile, former BCF president, Tshenolo Maruatona said the financial support from Metropolitan played a pivotal role in the BCF annual calendar.

Maruatona said through Metropolitan support, BCF was assured of the annual tournament.

“It is the biggest sponsorship that we get annually. We shall do everything in our power to safeguard and continue the relationship.

Our dream is to grow children into the sport.

Through your support and our commitment to chess, we will continue to represent the country the best way we can,” he said.

BCF vice president - technical, Austin Tshitoeng said securing a sponsorship was not an easy task, therefore the continued support by Metropolitan was testimony that their financial injection in chess was put to good use.

Tshitoeng said despite the change in leadership at both Metropolitan and BCF coupled with challenging circumstances affecting the business environment, their relation had passed all the tests as Metropolitan continued to spare a certain percentage of their profits towards supporting the development of chess. ENDS