BEVERAGES manufacturing giant Coca-Cola Zimbabwe has applauded the role the Media plays in the development of sport and, in particular, triathlon.
This was made bold during a Media Workshop and the official launch of the Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup Troutbeck at Holiday Inn in Harare.
Coca-Cola Franchise Marketing and Activations Manager, Faith Nehanda, was straight to the point, emphasising the Media’s influence and reach far and wide.
“The media is a powerful voice for and influence on the sport. We know you for raising awareness and publicising sports which gives it a high standing in society and promoting healthy active lifestyles,” she said.
She added, “The Media showcases sport’s positive values that give people a sense of belonging, presents positive and inspiring role models, motivate people to participate and sets high standards for performance.”
Nehanda said the Media’s exposure helps generate revenue and attract investment for sports by bringing in new supporters and sponsors.
She stressed that triathlon has been and continues to be of great value to both the athletes and the country, which is one of the reasons for their continued support.
“As Coca-Cola, we believe sport is essential to our lives. Triathlon, which combines swimming, cycling, and running, aligns with our Bonaqua brand very well,” Nehanda said.
“Bonaqua is a high-quality drinking water produced utilising reverse osmosis process, guaranteeing the safety and quality of the final product that delivers a fresh, clean taste for daily hydration of the body and mind, which is the foundation of a person’s positive mood. It can be enjoyed on the go, during meals at or away from home.”
Coca-Cola is in their ninth-year running in its sponsorship of Triathlon Zimbabwe, bankrolling the Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup at Troutbeck in Nyanga.
They first financed this competition for three years with their Schweppes water brand and later on and now for six years running with Bonaqua.
“There is a perfect fit between Bonaqua and triathlon as they both enhance an individual’s mental and physical growth. They assist in developing confidence and in making a complete personality in keeping our body fit while increasing mental sharpness,” Nehanda said.
Coca-Cola also sponsors the Coca-Cola National Secondary Schools Soccer tournament, which gave a chance to hog the limelight to some of Zimbabwe’s finest players, current and retired, including the legendary Peter Ndlovu.
“Sport helps us learn how to tackle life problems and react to real-life situations. It increases the efficiency and energy level of a person. It relaxes the mind and helps relieve stress and tension,” she said.
“It also increases memory, learning power and concentration. Sport keeps us motivated and builds a friendly competitive environment for growth. It also stresses team building activities as teams are involved in triathlon. It removes hesitation and motivates us to move forward in life after all hurdles and obstacles.”
“Indeed, sport is a crucial part of everyone’s life which helps the participants and fans to learn various virtues like teamwork, tolerance, coordination, and also helps to keep the body strong and healthy.”
Triathlon has a massive following in Zimbabwe and has produced one of Zimbabwe’s most outstanding sportspersons in the form of Mark Marabini, now late, who was a regular candidate for the Zimbabwe Sportsperson of the Year Award.
Veteran and two-time Olympian Chris Felgate also represented triathlon well and was the country’s sole Elite athlete at Troutbeck and beyond.
