Stanbic Bank Botswana today (31) announced a landmark commitment of five million pula (BWP 5,000,000) in support of the Debswana World Athletics Relays Gaborone 26, marking the first time Botswana will host this prestigious global sporting event.
Scheduled for 2-3 May at the National Stadium, the World Athletics Relays will bring together the world’s finest relay athletes, placing Gaborone firmly on the international sporting map and shining a spotlight on Botswana’s wealth of homegrown athletics talent.
“The World Athletics Relays is a defining moment for Botswana; one that calls for the very best of what public and private partnerships can achieve together,” said Minister of Sports and Arts Hon Jacob Kelebeng. “Hosting a World Athletics event requires extraordinary coordination, investment and ambition, and this commitment reflects exactly that spirit. This is Botswana’s time to shine, and we all have a duty to help make it happen.”
Stanbic Bank Botswana recognises that events of this magnitude serve as catalysts for national progress: they generate economic activity, inspire youth, foster social cohesion, and signal to the world that Botswana is open, capable and ready to compete on every stage. This partnership is about enabling world-class experiences, elevating Botswana’s standing as a host of international events, and contributing to a legacy that extends well beyond the finish line. It is precisely this belief that has driven the bank’s commitment.
“Sport is one of the most powerful enablers we have. It unites communities, stirs national pride, develops character in young people, and generates real economic opportunity through tourism, employment and global visibility,” said Stanbic Bank Botswana Acting Chief Executive Tom Mpedi. “Partnering with the local organising committee on the World Athletics Relays is an honour; it means being part of a historic moment for Botswana. We want to play an active role in delivering an experience that athletes, fans and the nation will be proud of for years to come.”
This commitment is the natural progression of a long and proud tradition of sporting investment by Stanbic Bank Botswana. From the Nomads Nationals to having served as a key sponsor for Township Rollers Football Club and the Diacore Gaborone Marathon, and as the current named sponsor for the Stanbic Bank Gaborone Golf Club, the bank actively supports extraordinary sporting talent within Botswana’s communities.
The Debswana World Athletics Relays Gaborone 26 represents the most significant chapter yet in this journey. By working closely with the local organising committee and aligning with Government’s vision for Botswana as a host of world-class events, Stanbic Bank Botswana is committed to helping build a platform that inspires the next generation of Batswana athletes, stimulates the economy, and demonstrates to the world what this nation is capable of achieving.
“Botswana has always produced world-class athletes, and now the world will come to us. This is a defining moment for our country and we are honoured to stand alongside the local organising committee, Government, and World Athletics to help make it happen,” said Stanbic Bank Botswana Head, Brand & Marketing Stephanie Sandridge.
“Our BWP five million commitment is a statement of belief: in Botswana’s potential, in the power of sport to transform communities, and in the importance of the private sector stepping forward to help deliver national ambitions.”
Through this partnership, Stanbic Bank Botswana joins the local organising committee, the Ministry of Sport and Arts, and the global athletics community in delivering an event that will showcase Botswana on the world stage. As the nation prepares to welcome athletes, officials and fans from across the globe, the bank stands ready to play its full role as a financial partner and as an active enabler of the connections, experiences and opportunities that will make the World Athletics Relays in Gaborone an event to remember.