Zimbabwe Olympic Committee Gets Mizuno as Kit Sponsor

The Zimbabwe Olympic Committee (ZOC) have announced that they have secured a kit sponsorship for Team Zimbabwe with Japanese manufacturer Mizuno for the London 2012 Olympics.

The kit sponsorship deal, valued at over US$100 000, covers competition and out of competition kit.

ZOC and Mizuno entered into the agreement last week, chief executive Anna Mguni said.

She also said that ZOC managed to secure the Japanese company as the official sponsor largely supported by the standing relationship between the National Athletic Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) and Mizuno, as well as the positive relations fostered by the NOC and the Corporation over the years.

Founded in 1906, Mizuno Corporation has a long tradition of supporting athletes in several African countries including the likes of Zimbabweans Brian Dzingai and Ngoni Makusha.

“ZOC are impressed by Mizuno Corporation’s plans for supporting Team Zimbabwe.

“In fact, ZOC are naturally delighted to have Mizuno Corporation as the official kit sponsor for Team Zimbabwe.

“Mizuno have an enthusiasm and energy for Team Zimbabwe which complements our own attitude: we are looking forward to an exciting year which will hopefully culminate in a great performance for Team Zimbabwe at London 2012.

“Zimbabwean athletes are no strangers to the Mizuno brand and we welcome this development which is part of the ongoing drive to support and resource the team adequately,” Mguni said.

The team’s kit comprises specific competition kit for the athletes, tracksuits, casual shirts, caps, trainers and kit bags.

As a recognised sportswear supplier, Mguni said, Mizuno will be permitted to brand the kit but only in accordance with the stringent International Olympic Committee branding and kit specification regulations.

The athletes will receive their kit on arrival at the Olympic Village in London for the 2012 Olympic Games, which are set to run from July 27 to August 12.

Mguni also expressed gratitude to Faithwear who provided part sponsorship of the team kit for Team Zimbabwe for the last two Olympics in Athens, Greece, in 2004 and Beijing, China, in 2008.

“Opportunities still exist for Zimbabwean corporates to collaborate with ZOC. We are yet to secure the ceremonial kit and look forward to support from a Zimbabwean entity to cover this important aspect of team attire.

“We encourage the nation to support Team Zimbabwe,” she said.