Vunani back Women Sports Awards with 600k sponsorship
Used to giving out rewards, The Botswana Women Sports Awards have won a huge prize of their own, securing a P600 000 sponsorship from Vunani Fund Managers.
The investment management company, which is active in nine African countries, saw fit to invest in the awards over the next three years.
Intended to recognise and celebrate the country’s leading sports ladies, both past and present, the awards were introduced in 2023 as a joint venture between Inside BW Women Sports (an organisation that includes The Voice’s very own Portia Mlilo) and Women and Sport Botswana (WASBO).
Speaking at the sponsorship unveiling on Monday, Inside BW Women Sports CEO, Kesego Okie, revealed the awards would now be renamed the Vunani Annual Botswana Women Sports Awards.
“We are very thankful that the Director of Vunani, Thabo Moipolai, found it fit to approve our proposal,” said Okie, adding delivering a successful inaugural event last year made it easier to convince Vunani to splash the cash.
Although the initiative is centered around the fairer gender, Okie stressed they did not exclude men.
“These awards also pay tribute to men who have and continue to make significant contributions to the growth of women’s sports in Botswana as well as organisations that have prioritised women’s sports as part of their strategies. Gender parity in sports is a global concern with unequal recognition of athletes per gender.”
On behalf of the Vunani board, the Business Development Manager for Institutional Clients, Obakeng Mmusinyane, noted sport is a sector that still requires much work to close the gender gap.
“The awards certainly provide hope and encouragement that one day Botswana will be counted among other countries that have prioritised excellence and equality in sports,” stated the passionate Manchester United fan.
Mmusinyane added the awards were closely aligned to Vunani’s philosophy as they are not only innovative and fresh, but also deliver positivity and inspire others to go for greatness in their sports journey.
“Vunani is a Kalanga word meaning ‘harvest’ in English. Our decision to partner with Inside BW Women Sports Awards over the next three years is therefore most fitting and appropriate, as it speaks directly to ensuring that our athletes and administrators receive their Vunani after their incredible performance for the year 2023 in their respective areas of sports,” said Mmusinyane, whose company is heavily invested in local sport, partnering with Propellers Swimming Academy, Cycling Team Swift, and Summer Kids Marathon among others.
The 2024 Vunani Annual Botswana Women Sports Awards are set for 23rd March, with 17 categories up for grabs.