COMRADES MARATHON – Nebank enables athletes to reach their dreams

Nedbank in association with The Sports Trust provided running kits to 210 school runners in KwaZulu-Natal to take part in the 2013 AIMS Youth Race, which is endorsed by the Comrades Marathon Association. This sponsorship is now in its second year with Nedbank having donated running kits to 93 schools in KZN.

Supported by KZN Athletics, the contribution forms part of Nedbank’s ongoing commitment to sport development. High school learners from Zwelibanzi, King Shaka, Ohlange, Velabehleke, Ilanga, Lamontville, Umlazi Comtech, Ogwini Comprehensive Technical schools benefitted from this sponsorship.
 
“At Nedbank, we are committed to the development of sport in South Africa, as it aids in the creation of future sporting stars while enabling young people to live an active and healthy lifestyle.  Road running is one of the prominent categories which Nedbank sponsors. The others include golf, soccer, cycling and sport for people with disabilities as well as various strategic sponsorships,” said Maseda Ratshikuni, Head for Cause Marketing at Nedbank.

Nedbank is one of the main sponsors for Comrades Marathon while The Sports Trust is one of the official charities for the ultra-marathon, which takes place on 2 June 2013. “Our longstanding partnership with The Sports Trust has been an instrumental catalyst in our efforts and we believe that our combined effort is an example to many who have a keen interest in the sustainable development of sports in South Africa,” said Ratshikuni.

Through its 20 year-long relationship with The Sports Trust, the bank has contributed nearly R15 million to sports development through the Nedbank Sport Affinity Programme. The affinities concept is structured in a manner that allows clients to use their Sport Affinity banking and investment accounts to generate proceeds for The Sports Trust, at no cost to the client.

Anita Matthews Executive Director from the Sports Trust believes that Nedbank’s model of contribution to sports development should serve as an example to other organisations. “The nature of Nedbank’s support for sports development is admirable and should be commended. South Africa has massive potential but we need collaborative efforts to unearth the talent we have as a nation,” she said.

Source: Comrades Marathon Organisers