ASA confident of finding replacement for terminated sponsorship

THE SPONSORSHIP deal for the Grand Prix Track and Field series died a premature death, but Athletics South Africa are confident of finding a replacement.

ASA president Aleck Skhosana yesterday announced that the threeyear sponsorship deal with Liquid Telecom had run aground a year after the series was launched.

“We also take the opportunity to announce that the three-year sponsorship agreement (ending in 2020) that we had with Liquid Telecom was terminated after the first series,” Skhosana said in a press release.

“But in respect of the confidentially clauses binding the three parties, we will not go into the matter any further, except to note that this development is now subject to a dispute.”

A total of R1 365 000 in prize incentives was offered over the three legs of the inaugural series.

The series breathed new life into the SA track and field scene with organisers attracting some of the country’s best athletes.

Organisers also managed to lure defending world 100m champion Justin Gatlin of the US at the Pretoria leg of the series.

Skhosana said the Grand Prix series would continue as planned this year and he was confident ASA and its commercial agents, Stillwater Sports, would sign a new title sponsor.

“We are working diligently to ensure the 2019 series will take place with a replacement sponsor, and we are excited about the opportunity that exists for our future partners,” Skhosana said.“We are encouraged by potential new sponsors who have jumped up to indicate their interest.” |