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In less than two years , the Murray & Roberts Running Club has become a force in SA athletics . We caught up with the chairman of the club , Ed Jardim , to ask him a few questions about this success , and the way forward to achieve still more .
Q . When Murray & Roberts announced the sponsorship of the running club many people asked why ?
A . It ’ s a little-known fact that Murray & Roberts has been investing in sport development for many years . It ’ s not something we like to ‘ advertise ’ externally , but we have been taking a significant , interactive role in sport and its development , specifically at community development level , for more than three decades now through the Jack Cheetham and Letsema Awards .
Since the Springboks ’ World Cup win in 1995 , I ’ ve firmly held the belief that sport has the power to unify a nation , and we have no better example again than that which unfolded in South Africa after the Springboks ’ drubbing of the English team at the Rugby World Cup Final last year . It just confirmed that notion for me , and all of us at the Black and Yellow . Everywhere you looked , unity , hope and care for our fellow countrymen and women was at the forefront of virtually every conversation , editorial , photo and video . For once , the naysayers and prophets of doom had their volume turned way down , offering the majority of the nation the opportunity to rise above the political noise . This is the power of sport !
Running is accessible to all , young and old , rich and poor – no matter where you come from , you are able to run . Running is something anyone is able to associate with . Then the question arose : Are we able to play a part in developing future South African athletic champions if no one else is focused on just that ? The answer was a resounding yes , and when the opportunity presented itself , we grabbed it with both hands . In 2019 , we launched a South African-focused athletics club , for South African athletes only , and we haven ’ t looked back since .
Q . The club has gone from strength to strength , so what is the secret ? A . Easy , we are a team , not a group of individuals . Not one person is bigger than the team . We are a family , and we care for each other . The secret recipe is as follows : As a foundation , use your club values and family unity , thoroughly mix in some talent , and finally top it off with a decent helping of hard work and ambition . Our performances speak for themselves : In the first year of our existence , we achieved more than 250 podiums across the disciplines of road , track , cross country and trail , with more than 100 of those podiums on the top step .
Q . Your management team is made up of people with widely differing strengths . What makes the combination work ? A . We laugh together – a lot ! Seriously , diversity builds strength and fosters problem-solving , by pushing everyone to look at things from different perspectives . Diversity also ensures we are attracting and retaining top talent . Each one of the management team has been involved in the running / sporting community for decades , and they are widely respected . Hands down , we have the most experienced and talented club management team , we all love what we do , and work well as a team .
Q . How difficult is it these days to get a sponsor ? A . Virtually ( COVID-19 pun intended ) impossible . The need is far greater than the availability of opportunities , especially following the events of this year . Sponsors are hard-pressed to part with their limited budgets , and many corporates have also ended their long-term relationships with various sports disciplines , because times are tough . Sponsorship does not necessarily translate into an immediate and measurable increase in sales , as potentially enjoyed in earlier years . The focus or weighting has also shifted to the advancement of women ’ s sport , and sport for good or social change . You ’ ve got to acknowledge SPAR as a stalwart of this sponsorship category in South Africa . Ultimately , it ’ s a ‘ buyer ’ s market ,’ and the sponsors are calling the shots .
Images : Action Photo SA & courtesy Murray & Roberts Running Club
18 ISSUE 134 OCTOBER 2020 / www . modernathlete . co . za