Two of the leading companies, FIJI Water and Vodafone have immensely contributed towards the success of most na­tional sports organisations over the years.

Speaking during the 2019 An­nual National Sports Organisation (NSOs) conference, FIJI Water direc­tor stakeholders relations, Geoffrey Smith said through their partner­ship with NSOs has not just assisted with its branding but has put Fiji to get its recognition on a global plat­form.

“FIJI Water over the years have been in sponsorship partnership with the following events; Fiji In­ternational golf tournament, FASA­NOC, Fiji Paralympics, Fiji Chess Federation and Fiji Rugby Union,” Smith said.

“With these various sports it has contributed to the FIJI Water brand and everytime an individual athlete steps onto the sporting arena with the FIJI Water that is whether inter­nationally or locally they do shine a spotlight on Fiji.

“We thank our partners Coca-Cola Amatil Fiji Limited for their support. And last year FIJI Water provided 10,000 bottles to cover the Coke Games Torch Relay which is also currently underway in part­nership with the Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Association.

“Our sponsorship is not only lim­ited to sports but we have also spon­sored the Prime Ministers Excel­lence Awards, Fiji Sports Awards, Fiji Rugby Union Awards and many more. As a sponsor we see sportspeo­ple as potential ambassadors for us.

“So it all depends on how we mar­ket the product through sports to get the expected leverage in return. So, it works both ways. We look at giving sponsorships beyond just brand rec­ognition and beyond just great sales revenue but building relationships at grassroots level.”

GOOD RELATIONSHIP

Meanwhile, Vodafone Fiji’s spon­sorship manager Adriu Vakarau shared their successful sponsorship journey.

“People think that Vodafone Fiji has an unlimited budget. Looking at our history of sponsorship with sports in Fiji, Vodafone started in 1994 and immediately we took up sponsorship for Fiji Rugby Union,” Vakarau said.

“And after the success of the sevens rugby team we slowly then moved to sponsoring football.

“When our sponsored products get out it actually markets our brand so when we get into sponsorship we assure there is a good relationship with the particular sporting body and the business engagement is al­ways there.”

Vakarau also highlighted the need for NSO’s to maintain a consistent good relationship with their spon­sors as they are some risks that can come along the way.

“And that relationship is created when we start discussing the terms and condition of sponsorship and our job is providing with funding and support with the marketing of the brand and give the exposure and also give the opportunity.”

Edited by Osea Bola

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