- 100 complimentary slots to be set aside for disadvantaged children, including those affiliated with SOS Centre
- School shoes and books to be donated to deserving primary schools in Gabs and other places
- Fan’Mo and the Absa sponsorship are also about encouraging young people to save
GAZETTE REPORTER
Fan’Mo Sports Agency has praised Absa Bank Botswana for the transformative impact of its generous sponsorship of the upcoming Summer Kids Marathon.
Speaking in a telephone interview with Gazette Sports, the co-director of Fan’Mo, Martin Fani highlighted the pivotal role of the sponsorship in advancing the core mission of the marathon that will take place on 20 April 2024 at the Three Dikgosi Monument at the Gaborone CBD.
“Our mandate, rooted in philanthropy, is paramount,” he said. “With Absa Botswana’s support, we are poised to fulfill our corporate social responsibilities with unprecedented vigour.”
Totalling P300,000, the sponsorship will facilitate initiatives aimed at benefitting underprivileged children in Gaborone and other places.
Fani disclosed plans to allocate 100 complimentary slots to disadvantaged children from various communities, including those affiliated with the SOS Centre.
He added that the marathon intends to leverage the sponsorship to donate essential educational materials, such as school shoes and books, to deserving primary schools.
Beyond the marathon itself, Fani spoke of a comprehensive agenda encompassing post-event activities geared at empowering children to explore diverse career pathways.
He emphasised the broader implications of Absa Botswana’s sponsorship, expressing confidence that it will catalyse further support from more organisations and potential sponsors.
“Absa’s endorsement serves as a catalyst, propelling our endeavours to promote financial literacy among the youth and encourage parents to cultivate a culture of saving from an early age,” he said.
With the sponsorship secured, the marathon has been rebranded as the Absa Summer Kids Marathon, underscoring the symbiotic relationship between the event and Absa Botswana’s commitment to youth development.
Speaking at the launch of the sponsorship recently, Absa’s Retail Director, Valeta Mthimkhulu, echoed Fani’s sentiments, affirming the bank’s unwavering dedication to youth empowerment.
“We are proud to be the title sponsors of the 2024 Summer Kids Marathon,” she said. “This partnership underscores our steadfast commitment to nurturing the potential and future success of our youth.”
Mthimkhulu emphasised the alignment between Absa Botswana’s sponsorship and its Future U Account that is tailored to meet the financial needs of young savers.
“Our Future U Savings Account epitomises our commitment to fostering a culture of saving from an early age,” she explained. “With no maintenance fees and a minimal deposit requirement of P50, this account empowers parents to secure their children’s financial future.”
As anticipation of the marathon mounts, the organisers have reported an overwhelming response, with registration nearing full capacity.
All four categories, including provisions for children with special needs, are priced at P240, inclusive of a complimentary goodie bag.
Billed as a celebration of youth, philanthropy and community engagement, the Absa Summer Kids Marathon is only weeks away.