ADVERTORIAL
Q . How does one please a sponsor and keep them in the current climate ? A . How long is a piece of string ? I think it ’ s different for all , and dependent on the reasons why the sponsor was interested in the sponsorship in the first place . At Murray & Roberts , we get an immense sense of pride from the club ’ s performances . We win races on a provincial and national level , and we have also had national call-ups for our runners . That alone justifies it for us .
As a further example , a very important part of us agreeing to the club sponsorship was the inclusion of the Vorentoe Running Academy , which was started informally 19 years ago by the headmaster at Vorentoe High School , Hans Saestad . The academy is comprised of more than 50 boys and girls who come from disadvantaged backgrounds , but they run with heart , legs and lungs . We support the Academy through school fees , lodging , meals and athletics development , to name a few .
Just one shining example of the Academy ’ s achievements is the Northvaal Cross Country Champs – the former Director ’ s Trophy – a massive inter-school ’ s competition . The Vorentoe boys have now won the trophy 18 out of 19 years , and the Vorentoe girls have claimed 17 from 19 . Over the years , a few of the Vories have also received scholarships to study in the United States . You can ’ t beat that ! Our aim is to produce an Olympian from this squad … sooner rather than later .
Q . What do you recommend clubs do to appeal to sponsors ? A . Back in 2018 , our CEO , Henry Laas , forwarded me the email he received from Dana Coetzee , our Club Manager , asking me if I thought the idea of a running club sponsorship had any merit ? I almost fell off my chair , because this isn ’ t something that Murray & Roberts does , but as a Comrades runner myself , the idea very much appealed to me . The rest is as they say , history . I guess I ’ m trying to say that both company and club got lucky … right place , right time .
In all other instances , figure out what makes your idea unique to the sponsor ’ s universe , and hold thumbs that you get lucky too . You have to ‘ buy the ticket to win the lotto .’ Persevere , and don ’ t give up . If you truly believe in your vision , someone out there will too , and then you ’ ll have that proverbial foot in the door . Once inside , that ’ s when the hard work starts to earn your stripes and deliver on what you said you could . Once again , persevere – it ’ s worth it . So just keep looking .
Q . If there is one thing in SA athletics that you could change , what would it be ? A . Make South African athletics about the athletes . Enough said .
Q . And lastly , plans for the future for the M & R Running Club ? A . Pinky : “ Gee Brain , what are we gonna do tonight ?” Brain : “ The same thing we do every night , Pinky , try to take over the world !”
We are ambitious – we want to participate , compete and win . That ’ s intertwined in our club DNA . However , at the same time , never forget the joy of why we run .
My favourite running quote comes from Olympic great , Jesse Owens : “ I always loved running ... it was something you could do by yourself , and under your own power . You could go in any direction , fast or slow as you wanted , fighting the wind if you felt like it , seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs .”
You can find more info on the Murray & Roberts Running Club via our Facebook page .
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