BY NDUMBE BELL GASTON IN DOUALA
MTN Cameroon has made known the central role they played towards their contributions in the sponsorship of the National Federation of University Sports (FENASU) also known as the University Games that just ended last April 29 in Bamenda, the regional capital of the North-West Region of Cameroon.
They say that for the 15th straight year they have been involved according to the engagements signed since 2003. The MTN official stand states that their mission in promoting university games goes beyond sports “reasons why MTN will support fan clubs and offer about 4515 participants amongst whom are 3.246 athletes from 19 public and private university institutions, students and other visitors, the opportunity to familiarise with the new digital world of MTN.” Teams of trainers were deployed on the ground to engage the public on the use of innovative technologies.
In their release procured by us recently titled, “2017 University Games: MTN Cameroon in favour of sports excellence” the CEO of MTN Cameroon Philisiwe Sibiya declared “Sports help these hyper-motivated young athletes to become leaders. As a leading operator, we have the duty to support them in their development. This justifies our presence yesterday, today and tomorrow. We also have the duty to actively support the University community of Bamenda that is hosting these games for the first time.” Since 2003 MTN Cameroon says they have been very instrumental in keeping to the time table of sponsorship.
In this 20th edition, areas of sponsorship were multifaceted. Some of them were to refurbish sports infrastructures thereby enabling the University of Bamenda to host these games for the first time; provide the trophies, medals and allowances of the athletes; provide sports equipment for the athletes’ sand officials; daily organise socio-cultural activities with renowned artists also taking part; ensure the sound coverage system of the opening and closing ceremonies; and ensure the deployment of light boxes so as to guide the athletes, officials and spectators.
In their speech during the 20th edition, the representatives of the CEO, who later was out for other pressing issues, commenting for MTN, stated that they are of the belief that the university games provided a development platform for young Cameroonian talents who will one day become ambassadors like Samuel Eto’o and Song Bahanak. Citing Jesse Owens, the CEO’s representative called for fair play, respect for others and rules, and hard work and team spirit “It is extra effort that seperates a winner from second place; that is complete command for the fundamentals , desire determination, discipline, and self-sacrifice and finally it takes a great deal of love, fairness and respect for your fellow man. Put these together, if you do not win how can you lose.”