The local volleyball federation (FRVB) has signed a one-year sponsorship deal worth $30.000 (approx. Frw16.2 million) with Bralirwa’s soft drink brand, Coca Cola.

The one-year sponsorship package was signed yesterday at the company’s head offices at Kicukiro and it is purposely for the national volleyball league and the Coca Cola interschools tournament with the aim of promoting the sport in the country.

Bralirwa commercial director, Alexander Koch said, "Volleyball as a sport is a strong platform for us to work together, that’s why we want to continue our relationship going”.

"Since 2001, we have strengthened the sponsorship due to the professionalism of the federation,” Koch stated after signing the deal on behalf of Bralirwa.

Koch further added that the sponsorship package is a sign of the existing decade-long good relationship between Bralirwa and the local volleyball federation.

On his part, FRVB president Robert Bayigamba expressed his appreciation to Coca Cola for their continued supports towards the development of volleyball in Rwanda.

"The volleyball federation and Bralirwa have been working hand in hand since 1997 (to promote both the sport as well the Sprite and Coca Cola brands,” Bayigamba said.

He confirmed that this year’s sponsorship package will go towards organising the national league and the Coca coal interschools’ championships.

The former Sports Minister also assured Bralirwa of the win-win situation as far as the relationship between the two parties is concerned.

Bralirwa has been supporting the local body towards official competitions including Rwanda Cup, national and international memorial tournaments, Carre D’as tourney, beach volleyball and the national championship.

Coca-Cola was the first-ever sponsor of the 1928 Amsterdam Olympic Games and has been an Olympics sponsor ever since.

Since 1978, Coca-Cola has sponsored each Fifa World Cup and other Fifa organized competitions like Fifa World Youth Championships among other international events.

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