Impala get windfall: Standard Bank improves sponsorship deal for rugby academy

Standard chartered Bank Chief Information Officer Peter Gitau (right), presenting a dummy cheque of USD 62,000 to Impala Saracens Chairman Geofrey Gangla and the girls rugby team.jpg

The Standard Chartered Bank has renewed its sponsorship for the Impala Rugby Academy.

The new improved deal will see the Ngong Road-based Academy receive Sh5.5 million (USD 62,000) which is Sh1.6 million (USD 20,000) more than what they got last year. The funding from the bank is part of a five-year deal that was signed between the two parties two years ago.

The cash will be channelled to the Academy to fund training for boys and girls between aged 7 and 17 years from Jamhuri, Joseph Kangethe, Toi , Cheryl (Primary Schools), Riruta Central, Maono, Uycus, Kibra, Olympic and Raila Odinga Centre (secondary schools).

Apart from the windfall, the bank will also provide uniforms and training gear to the team.

Speaking during the cheque and kit handing-over ceremony at the Impala Club yesterday, Impala RFC chairman Geoffrey Gangla thanked the bank for supporting the development of youth rugby.

“Today, it gives us great pleasure that one of our longest standing partners has recommitted its support for Impala. This is indeed a testimony to Standard Chartered Bank’s enthusiasm for using sports to create positive impact in the lives of youth. It is a vote of confidence in the Impala brand,” said Gangla.

“Rugby has provided a pathway for the community youth, strained by socio-economic circumstances, to develop key life skills.

“Standard Chartered Bank has supported Impala for the last 12 years and we appreciate all those who have made this possible,” he added.

Gangla was also proud of the Academy’s products, having churned out stars like Sam Onsomu, who recently earned his maiden National Sevens team call-up, Ian Minjire, Sammy Oliech and Robert Aringo. Billy Omondi, Warren Nyanjom, Kanyiri Kariuki, Simon Muniafu and Tyson Okoth represented Kenya in various Under-19 tournaments including CAR U19, Africa Youth Games and Youth Olympic Games.

Standard Chartered Bank Rugby Committee Chairman Peter Gitau assured the sporting community of the bank’s commitment to support their activities.

“We are happy to increase the sponsorship because our money was well spent thanks to the good management. A good sponsor is the one who goes to the grassroots and start developing talent,” said Gitau.

“The Club’s continued participation in the Singapore Tour and the sound rugby academy structures set up through funding from Standard Chartered Bank has not only provided the much needed exposure of our local players but also helped expose many children to the game at an early age.”

Kenya Rugby Union Chairman Mwangi Muthee, who graced the occasion, was similarly impressed with the partnership.

“Impala is one of the pillars of Kenyan rugby as they’ve contributed much to the national team. Standard Chartered have chosen the right avenue to spend their money and I urge other corporates to follow suit and support the Kenya Cup clubs. Any money invested in rugby is always well spent,” said Muthee.

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