Standard Bank has pumped K3.5 million into this year’s Lake Malawi Sailing Marathon and pledged to continue sponsoring different sporting activities in the country.
Standard Bank Head of Information Technology William Nuka said this on Sunday at The Makokola Retreat Hotel in Mangochi during the launch of the 2017 edition of Lake Malawi Sailing Marathon.
“Standard Bank is very proud to be a partner of this year’s Lake Malawi Sailing Marathon. This year’s water marathon comes a week after we successfully launched a land marathon–the “Be More” race which aims to promote wellness and fitness amongst Malawians while raising funds for education,” said Nuka.
He said Standard Bank takes pride in its purpose “to drive growth for Mother Malawi” through the development of the localsailors who take part in the race and also the socio-economic impact
“The Sailing Marathon is not only a sport, it is a source of revenue for the country through tourism as the event occurs on a water body and environs of great historic value and tourism lure in Africa so as a bank we excited to join in efforts to promote the marathon as it also provides us an excellent opportunity to connect with local and international business associates,” he said
Nuka, who also chairs the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility committee noted that in addition to being a sport, the marathon is of great tourism value to Malawi country as it puts Lake Malawi on the map as the host of one of the longest marathons on fresh water globally.
“As a race, it is not for the faint-hearted; it is for the brave, strong and driven and the daring who want to push adrenaline and challenge them to achieve “More”. Most importantly, the sail offers a real test of endurance. Thus this marathon exemplifies all the qualities that Standard Bank stands for: “Being more” than just a bank” said the Head of IT.