Nairobi, KENYA:The National Oil Corporation of Kenya (NOCK) on Thursday renewed its sponsorship of the National Ladies Volleyball team, Malkia Strikers, as the title sponsors.
The sponsorship deal, worth Ksh 42 million will run for three years and will see the Ladies Volleyball team don National Oil branded uniform kit for their international tournaments.
Speaking at the signing ceremony where the team’s official branded uniform kit was unveiled, National Oil CEO Ms Maryjane Mwangi, said the renewal of the sponsorship is a demonstration of National Oil’s commitment to growing sports in the country and also a strategic business investment aimed at boosting the corporate brand and its wide range of product offering.
“As a Corporation, we also believe this investment in the Malkia Strikers is instrumental in promoting volleyball and sports by extension in Kenya. Sports in the world’s greatest activity that unites people irrespective of their race, tribe, gender or political affiliation.” Noted Ms. Mwangi.
She further stated that sponsoring sporting activities not only grows sports but is also a tool to market brands and increase business profitability.
“Sports sponsorships is also a platform that we have envisioned to be a great business investment for our brand. We are confident we can tap into the team’s fan base and supply our products to them. This will therefore grow our overall business and corporate brand visibility and go a long way in fulfilling our Corporate Social Investment promise to Kenyans.” Added Ms. Mwangi.
Also making his remarks at the signing ceremony was Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) Chair Mr. Waithaka Kioni, who expressed his gratitude to National Oil for renewing the sponsorship.
“We are happy to be renewing our partnership with National Oil. Their support over the years has been key tremendous in enhancing our activities locally internationally. Your continued support ensures we remain in this path of success. I would like to reiterate National Oil’s message and urge other corporates to take up sports sponsorship.”
Malkia Strikers Captain Mercy Moim expressed her joy to the commitment and vowed to perform well at the upcoming World Cup.
“On behalf of my team members, I would like to thank National Oil for this long-term commitment in sponsoring our team activities. Through this partnership, the ladies feel confident of the growth and development of the volleyball sport. The team promises to put its best foot forward and bring the world cup home.”
The sponsorship renewal comes at a time when the Malkia strikers are training to compete in the 2018 World Championship games in Tokyo, Japan, during which the team is expected to come face to face with longtime rivals Egypt, Algeria, Senegal and Tunisia.