According to Safaricom’s CEO Bob Collymore, following industry-wide consultations and a comprehensive review of Safaricom’s sponsorship assets, Safaricom will be withdrawing its support for the Safaricom Sevens and the Safaricom National Sevens Circuit.
In a press statement, Mr Collymore said when Safaricom entered into this partnership, their vision was to grow the game from a grassroots movement to a globally recognized program. However, Safaricom feels that the ongoing issues affecting the organising bodies of the sport have shifted focus from the game and have decided to withdraw their support on that basis.
Safaricom first took on the title sponsorship of the Safari Sevens tourney in 2010 in response to the fact that rugby is a unifying embodiment of Kenya’s competitive spirit and a platform to showcase the country’s rich heritage of sporting excellence.
“We appreciate the determination and discipline of our sportsmen which has cemented Kenya’s position in the top tiers of the global sporting arena. We do wish to assure our partners in the athletics sector that we shall maintain our commitment to support assets such as the Lewa Marathon and will also invest in young upcoming athletes through the Safaricom Athletics Series.” said Mr Collymore.
Safaricom remains optimistic that the athletics body is working to quickly resolve any challenges it has gone through in recent months to ensure that talented athletes all over the country get a chance to explore their talents.