By Leigh Andrews

SASCOC’s commercial director, Shane Keohane, kicked off proceedings by welcoming attendees and explaining the morning’s agenda and that the SAA-SASCOC partnership means SAA will support and sponsor “team South Africa” at the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games. Cheryl Carolus, chairperson of the SAA Board of Directors, explained that as a national carrier, SAA has a history of supporting South African sporting activities and that every South African taxpayer is technically a shareholder of SAA – we are therefore all 100% behind our athletes.

The big announcement was that SAA will sponsor Team SA’s athletes and officials to the end of the 2012 calendar year, to the tune of R4-million. Minister of Public Enterprises, Malusi Gigaba, then took to the podium and explained that the aircraft would also be branded, to help the country rally behind team South Africa. SASCOC president, Gideon Sam, said that as the ‘road to London’ gets shorter, it is fitting that the national carrier has come on board with this sponsorship, and that while cost is a huge factor, SASCOC was also hoping to minimise any fuss and delay, adding, “Strap yourselves in tightly, this will be an amazing journey and we’re about to take off.”

Next, Fikile Mbalula, Minister of Sport and Recreation, spoke about sport as a way to develop the country and achieve social cohesion, adding that while SAA is already a great supporter of our nation’s sporting events, he knows the team will do us proud and is looking forward to the team bringing home 12 medals.

Gigaba stated that state-owned companies in South Africa have a great role to play in encouraging the youth to participate in sport and raise a healthy nation. “This is an important initiative as it shows what we can achieve as team SA if we work together.” He closed the briefing by thanking the attendees for sending a clear message to our athletes that they have the full backing of the nation.