BARCLAYS BANK ZAMBIA FOCUSES ON SPORTS DEVELOPMENT

By SPORTS REPORTER BARCLAYS Bank Zambia has affirmed its commitment to enhancing sports development in the country.

The bank provided sponsorship of the Musikili Triathlon and Trail Run which was held on Saturday in Mazabuka.

Barclays committed K120, 000 towards organisation and prizes for this year’s sporting event in a three-year sponsorship deal which runs from 2017 to 2019.

Business Banking Director, Regina Mulenga, said the sponsorship was in line with the bank’s commitment to supporting various sporting disciplines in the country other than football.

“The sponsorship of the Musikili Triathlon and Trail Run is yet another way for Barclays to promote sport in the country, assist in harnessing the sporting talent in the community that may result in meaningful opportunities or careers for the community members of Mazabuka District,” Mulenga said.

Event organiser for the Musikili School Parents Teachers Association (PTA), Jenna Coventry, hailed the increased number of participants each year. “Having a big bank like Barclays gives us the financial backing to raise our event to international racing standards. This year, we have grown from 300 entries in 2017 to over 400 competitors,”

“Together, we have created synergies that complement to make a great team. Because of our relationship with Barclays, the community and everyone volunteering in this event, the future looks bright for triathlon in Zambia,” Coventry said.

The Triathlon involved swimming, bike riding and running with an option to participate as an individual or in teams.