The sixteenth edition of the Bonaqua Triathlon Africa Cup has been affected by low turnout of elite athletes due to the cholera outbreak that is currently grappling the region.
The annual event will will be staged on the 17th of February, at the Troutbeck resort in Nyanga.
Addressing journalists in Harare, Wednesday event director Ricky Fulton said the cholera epidemic had been a major setback.
“Unfortunately, the level of numbers of elite athletes that we were hoping to attract given where we are within the Olympic qualifications qualification period has not worked. The major fallback for this has been the cholera epidemic in the region, not just here. It has become a bit of a problem.
“We had a lot of athletes enter the race and take themselves up because of the cholera scare which is unfortunate. We are trying to be positive about it with statements on the World Triathlon website but it has had an impact on the entries,” said Fulton
Despite the setback, Coca-Cola Frontline Marketing Manager, Barry Otieno said the continued support from Bonaqua is a sign of the company’s quest for sports development.
“It comes as great privilege and honour to be the title sponsor of the Bonaqua Africa Triathlon, a global event sanctioned by the International Union. Bonaqua being a water brand suits the event well and resonates magnificently with the natural surroundings that we experience in Troutbeck.
“The Bonaqua brand has grown together with Triathlon Zimbabwe as the official title sponsor. This alone demonstrates our commitment and celebration to the development of sport in Zimbabwe,” said Otieno
Triathlon Zimbabwe president Ross O’Donoghue extended gratitude to the event sponsors, recognizing their unwavering support amidst the prevailing circumstances.
“Am thankful to our sponsors who have walked with us through thick and thin. Bonaqua, the title sponsor, Cimas’ iGo, CFAO, Rooney’s Events, African Sun, Troutbeck Resort, Ecocash, Simbisa, your support has allows been immense. As a body we have continued to grow and we are delighted that our sponsors’ catalogue grows with us, this year I would like to announce and welcome the arrival of MCM Legal to the sponsors’ basket. We sincerely hope that they will enjoy the experience and the partnership for this event,” said O’Donoghue
However, despite the entry setback, the Bonaqua Triathlon Africa Cup has managed to draw participants from Austria, Algeria, Ireland, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Mauritius, Netherlands, Namibia, Romania, South Africa, Tunisia, and UAE.
