LG Electronics East Africa, and its distribution partner in Kenya, OPALNET, have today handed over KES1.7million worth of electronics for race support during this year’s Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, set for Sunday, October 27, in Kenya’s capital Nairobi.
LG and OPALNET are among 40 sponsors, who, together, raised KES173 million in cash and in-kind donations to improve the experience for participants in the annual event. LG’s donation comprised five 65-inch TVs and eight X-Boom speakers for route entertainment, as well as multiple other products to be handed out as awards to the winners of various events.
Over 20,000 participants are expected to take part in the annual race, whose proceeds will help young people, especially women and individuals with disabilities—learn, earn, and grow.
LG and OPALNET’s sponsorship of the event stems from their strategic commitment to support community initiatives. Teams from the two companies have also been registered to participate in the day-long event, which starts at 5am.
“The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has noble objectives that align with our corporate social responsibility strategy. We hope our sponsorship will contribute to making it a lively and fun event, and to showcase our eagerness to be part of the communities that form our largest customer base in the region,” said LG’s Managing Director for East Africa, Dongwon Lee.
OPALNET’s Managing Director, Rakesh Kumar Singh, added: The marathon also provides an opportunity for fans of the LG brand to interact with some of its equipment, and understand its vast range of usages and capabilities. We are looking forward to showcasing possibilities that many may never have experienced.”
A total of six events — 42km, 21km, 21km Wheelchair, 10km, Corporate Challenge and the Family Fun Run — are lined up for this year’s race, which traverses Nairobi’s Lang’ata, Mombasa and Likoni roads.
The Nairobi Marathon is one of the sporting events that LG sponsor in Kenya. The company has for the last 11 years been sponsoring the monthly LG/SJAK Sports Personality of the Month, which has seen numerous runners, including two-time Olympic champion, Eliud Kipchoge; World marathon Record holder, Kelvin Kiptum; 10,000m record holder and dual Olympic gold medallist, Beatrice Chebet; as well as Paralympic star, Samson Opiyo Ojuka, amongst tens others recognized for their exploits.
The winners of this monthly award receive LG’s premier electronics and appliances, including OLED televisions, soundbars, AI-powered washer/dryers, Neochef microwaves and XBOOM party speakers, amongst many other items.