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Cape Town - Telkom announced on Thursday that they will be the official Olympic sponsor of the South African Olympic and Paralympics teams.
The multi-million rand sponsorship will allow SASCOC to expand Team SA, including more qualifying athletes, giving local talent and opportunity to compete on the world’s greatest sporting stage.
Telkom will also be adding R4 million to the medal incentive pot, to be shared between both the Olympic and Paralympic stars.
Earlier this year Telkom indicated its intention to support local athletes. Telkom has a long history of supporting the Olympics, having sponsored teams attending the Athens and Beijing Olympics in 2004 and 2008 respectively, as well as the London Paralympics in 2012.
“Telkom is honoured to be able to partner with our national Olympics team as they test themselves in the world’s most demanding sporting competition. Their dedication to the Olympic motto of faster, higher, stronger, resonates with all of us as we strive to always be better than we were,” said Sipho Maseko, Telkom Group Chief Executive Officer.
Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula welcomed the announcement.
“The Olympics is the biggest sporting event of our time. With the backing of one of South Africa’s largest corporates to smooth their journey, I have no doubt that our team will do us proud. We are doing this for the future of our young people,” he said.
“We welcome Telkom’s sponsorship because it will enable more elite athletes to achieve their Olympic dreams, and in the process, inspire the next generation,” said Telecommunications and Postal Services Minister Siyabonga Cwele.
“A chance to compete at the Olympics represents the highest dream for many athletes. To this end, we welcome the partnership with Telkom, which will allow all South Africans to follow the progress of their sporting heroes,” said SASCOC Chief Executive Officer Tubby Reddy.
The 2016 Olympic Games will take place from August 5-21 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The 2016 Paralympic Games, also hosted by Rio de Janeiro, are scheduled for September 7-18.
