TNM pledges continued Tour de Dwangwa sponsorship

TNM has said it will continue sponsoring sports because it believes in healthy and happy customers.

TNM head of region for the North Francis Mwamadi said this on Sunday during this year’s Tour de Dwangwa, a cycling competition which attracted scores of male and female cyclists in Nkhotakota.

“We decided to take part in sponsoring the winners and organisation of the cycling competition to have fun together with our customers and to help nurture local talent,” said Mwamadi.

TNM’s sponsorship this year came to K1 million (about $4 000), a fulfilment of a promise made in July when the company hosted a golf tournament at Kasasa golf course in the district.

Cyclists asked the competition’s stakeholders to help establish cycling clubs to improve the sport.

Liwonde Kakuyu, who was the overall winner in 13 kilometres and has defended his title for four consecutive years, said their desire to advance in the sport is hampered by lack of cycling clubs.

Tour de Dwangwa has been an annual event since 2006 and it is organised by Dwangwa Round Table 69, an organisation that comprises businesses and individuals from different fields in Nkhotakota.

At least 100 participants took part in this year’s event where they competed in nine categories including Under-21 (women), 22-35 years (women), over 35 (women), Under-20 (men), over 41 (men) and damper drivers (men).

TNM gave K30 000 (about $120) to the winner in each category. Runners-up got K15 000 (about $60) whereas those that finished third received K10 000 (about $40). Fourth-placed winners received a TNM handset and starter pack. Prizes from other sponsors included bicycles, mattresses and cooler boxes.