NBC, GSM quench thirst, fuel impact at Dodoma Marathon  

DODOMA: The National Bank of Commerce (NBC), the organizing body behind the NBC Dodoma Marathon, has officially welcomed GSM Group’s subsidiary company, GSM Beverages as a primary partner to supply water and chilled beverages for the highly anticipated sixth edition of the marathon, scheduled for July 27 in Dodoma.

The collaboration, forged between two notable organizations, goes beyond mere logistics. GSM Group, through its philanthropic arm, the GSM Foundation, is aligning itself with several critical objectives of the marathon, including the fight against cervical cancer, funding support for midwifery initiatives aimed at reaching an additional 200 midwives, and launching a groundbreaking program to educate 100 nurses specializing in care for children with autism across the nation.

The partnership was solidified during a signing ceremony in Dar es Salaam, attended by key representatives from both organizations. Mr Godwin Semunyu, Head of the Communications and Public Relations Unit at NBC and represented the bank, while GSM Group was represented by Mr Rajab Kondo, the Head of Business and Marketing Division.

In discussing this impactful partnership, Mr Semunyu remarked that, like many other stakeholders involved with the marathon, GSM Group has recognized the significance of the event’s foundational goals. Their involvement highlights a concerted effort to drive social change, with an ambition this year to raise 700m/- to support these vital initiatives.

“The sponsorship from GSM Group will ensure that approximately 12,000 participants-expected to gather for this marathon will have access to essential water and cold beverages,” he noted.

“Moreover, GSM Group has taken their commitment further, pledging to become a pivotal partner for our three key agendas that aim to positively influence the lives of mothers and children during childbirth, with another specific focus this year on addressing the challenges faced by children with autism,” Semunyu added, highlighting the profound impact such contributions can have.

As the countdown to this monumental event begins, Mr. Semunyu proudly reflected on the marathon’s achievements over its past five years. The event has raised over 1bn/-, with more than 80 per cent of those funds directed toward combating cervical cancer in partnership with the Ocean Road Cancer Institute.

“We have reached around 200,000 women, delivering essential treatments to over 3,000, with 80 women successfully recovered and reintegrated into their families. In collaboration with the Benjamin Mkapa Foundation, we have also funded 100 midwifery training, a number we intend to increase to 200 this year to further reduce maternal and infant mortality rates,” he mentioned, underlining the marathon’s profound social impact.

On his part, Mr Kondo from GSM Group expressed his enthusiasm for this partnership, affirming the joint commitment of both organizations to elevate maternal health and the broader community welfare.

He emphasized the importance of collaboration with diverse stakeholders to cultivate a sustainable society.

“GSM Group is proud to partner with NBC in this noble pursuit for the communities we serve. We firmly believe that collective efforts are crucial to overcoming the challenges faced by our society. By leveraging our unique skills and resources, we can enhance our impact and expand our reach. We invite more participants to join us at the NBC Marathon, as we remain committed to fulfilling their hydration needs on this important day,” he added.

Regarding the preparations for the Marathon, the Chairperson of the Marathon Organising Committee Ms Tatiana Masimba said the response from participants both locally and internationally has been significant, with registration going on through the website www.events.nbc.co.tz.

“Individual registration costs 45,000/-, while groups of 30 or more can register at a reduced rate of 42,000/- per person,” she pointed out.