Banking giant First National Bank (FNB) has taken its support of canoeing to the next level by taking up the title sponsorship of the biggest canoeing event on the African continent, the Dusi Canoe Marathon.
Now known as the FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon, the 65th edition of this iconic three day canoeing race from Pietermaritzburg to Durban will take place from 18 to 20 February 2016.
“FNB Business is proud to be the title sponsor of the oldest and biggest canoeing race in South Africa, which attracts men and women from every corner of the country,” says Preggie Pillay, KZN Provincial Head of FNB Business.
“This sponsorship is in line with our ongoing strategy to support local and community events that focus on a healthy lifestyle and family involvement. We are committed to growing and adding value to this iconic event.
“Sponsoring the FNB Dusi not only enables us to provide an experience for participants through an iconic sporting event that is well-entrenched locally and nationally, but further allows us to interact closely with our current and potential clients who participate in this event, giving us a quality platform to develop and maintain relationships with them and their families.
“Being a relationship bank, we pride ourselves in creating and building relationships that go beyond banking,” he added.
The title sponsorship follows FNB’s successful entry into the event as an associate sponsor last year, when it added notable value to the event by introducing climate controlled lounges at the overnight stops that proved hugely popular with participants.
“FNB proved last year that it understands this event and its participants, and showed a refreshing desire to add value to each paddler’s Dusi experience,” says Dusi Committee Chairman, Cameron McKenzie.
“Events like these thrive on partnerships that openly target the experiences of each and every entrant, bringing innovation and new levels of hospitality to the event, without detracting from what the race sets out to be – the ultimate canoe challenge!”
As the race prepares itself for the start of a new era off the water, a new pair of names is set to be engraved onto the winner’s trophy.
2016 will see the three day event from Pietermaritzburg to Durban being competed as a K2 championship event. Moreover, defending champions Andy Birkett (Euro Steel) and Sbonelo Khwela (Euro Steel/Red Bull) will not look to retain their title as partners, but each will compete for the overall race spoils with a new partner.
The FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon takes place from 18 to 20 February 2016.