By REGINALD KANYANE
SPAR and netball have gone hand-in-hand this century and the supermarket giant has just renewed its sponsorship until 2027. SPAR first became involved with netball in 2000 and its commitment to the biggest women’s sport in South Africa has been unwavering ever since.
Its 24-year sponsorship of the SPAR Proteas and it is the longest team title sponsorship in South Africa. Its sponsorship of Netball South Africa (NSA) is one of the country’s longest federation sponsorships.
In terms of the new sponsorship deal, SPAR’s title sponsorship includes the national team, the SPAR Proteas, the Under-21 team, the SPAR Baby Proteas, the national senior and Under-21 Championships and a home Test series and one or more international teams in the form of the SPAR Netball Challenge.
In addition, SPAR will be an associate sponsor of the national Fast Five Senior team, the Telkom Netball League and the men’s national championships.
Making the announcement, SPAR National PR, Communications and Sponsorship Manager, Mpudi Maubane said sport provided an exciting platform for brand-building and women’s sport in particular presented an excellent channel.
“We believe a call for action to empower women serves as a good initiative not only to build a nation but to capacitate women to take up relevant and influential spaces in our society.
“Netball is the most popular sport among women, who are important role players in South Africa. SPAR was honoured to be part of netball and sporting history last year when we partnered with Telkom and other netball sponsors to support Netball South Africa (NSA) and World Netball in staging the first African Netball World Cup in Cape Town,” said Maubane.
Meanwhile, the NSA President Cecilia Molokwane was thrilled to announce the extension of the partnership with SPAR.
“Over years, SPAR has been a pillar of support, providing commitment and resources that have been instrumental in our success.
“Their genuine passion for women’s sports and their dedicated efforts to empower our players resonate deeply with our values and mission,” she said.
Molokwane further said SPAR is more than a sponsor. She added that it epitomizes women empowerment.
“Their support for women’s sports, particularly netball, has been a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless young girls and women.
“By investing in women’s empowerment, SPAR is shaping a brighter future for our nation and leaving a legacy. As we mark 30 years of democracy in South Africa, let us acknowledge the strides made in women’s sports,” said Molokwane.
The Guardian 