Finding sponsorship is a crucial step for amateur athletes in Kenya who are looking to take their careers to the next level. With limited resources, athletes often struggle to gain visibility and support for their training and competitions. However, by understanding where to look and how to pitch themselves, Kenyan athletes can increase their chances of attracting amateur athlete sponsors to fund their journey.
Amateur athletes in Kenya face many challenges, from financial constraints to the lack of opportunities for exposure. Despite these hurdles, our Sportpesa initiative Tujiamini is helping Kenyan athletes connect with potential sponsors, offering them the tools to showcase their talents and build a strong profile. By networking, building a personal brand, and approaching amateur athletes' sponsors strategically, athletes can improve their chances of securing the support they need.
Sponsorship for athletes is a mutually beneficial agreement between a brand and an athlete or an athletic event. The sponsored entities receive financial support, along with the material backing of items such as uniforms and training resources. In return, the sponsor’s brand gains increased visibility and access to a new market while also positively building its reputation.
In this mutually beneficial contract between an athlete and a brand, there are roles for each party to play. The sponsor for athletes is responsible for giving funding, training resources like gears, gyms, and coaches, exposure through paid tournaments, and also motivating their sponsored athletes to do better by giving them rewards. With all these in their exposure, the athletes are expected to increase the brand's visibility and market as well. This is through wearing branded uniforms, creating sponsored content on social media, and attending crucial promotional events.
Below are some of the most common examples of athletics sponsorship;
Kenyan amateur athletes can be featured in commercials, digital ads, and social media campaigns. Their presence on these platforms boosts the visibility of both the athlete and the sponsor's brand.
Athletes may use or wear products from their sponsors, publicly endorsing them. This promotes the products to the athlete's fans and consumers who trust their choices.
Companies enter agreements with sports teams or events to advertise their brand. These partnerships provide businesses with direct exposure through the team's audience and the purposed event reach.
Sponsors provide financial backing to sports teams, helping them operate and thrive. In return, the sponsor gains access to the team’s fanbase, making it a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Tujiamini is willing to offer any amateur athlete sponsorship as long as you believe in yourself. The following is a step-by-step on how to do your athlete sponsorship application with us;
Here are the benefits of getting a Tujiamini athlete sponsorship
Read Also: The Power of Olympic Sponsorship: How Brands Benefit from the World's Biggest Sporting Event
Tujiamini has offered many sponsorship opportunities to Kenyan athletes in all kinds of sports, from football, rugby, and kayaking, among others. Below are some successful sponsorships that we are proud of as a brand;
Tujiamini backs grassroots football teams and individual players with initiatives like the Cheza Dimba tournament, aimed at giving regional and league teams exposure and the chance to secure sponsorships. For instance, local football teams get the chance to participate in competitive leagues, potentially gaining sponsorships to enhance their growth. Some of the lucky champions include Rongai All Stars Queens, Rockstars FC, and Kisumu City Stars.
Tujiamini supports both emerging and established athletes, offering financial assistance for training, nutrition, and travel. This support includes sprinter Tyson Juma, who received KSh500,000 for his gold award, covering his physiotherapy, nutrition, and international travel expenses. Another example is Emmanuel Wanyonyi, a middle-distance runner who secured a gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in the 800m event, with Tujiamini’s support playing a key role in his preparation.
Tujiamini is committed to growing rugby in Kenya by supporting teams and players and providing funding and exposure for the sport. This contributes to a rise in the sport’s profile and helps players access better resources. A successful example is the Project 61 Club in Eldoret, which received the Silver Award alongside KES 10,000 worth of goods.
Through sponsorships, Tujiamini supports athletes like Samuel Muturi, a kayaking champion, enabling them to compete at higher levels. These athletes benefit from financial backing that allows them to purchase equipment, travel to competitions, and receive specialized coaching.
Tujiamini also backs cyclists such as Patrick Mugo, enhancing their racing potential. With Tujiamini’s support, cyclists have access to resources like training facilities, travel for competitions, and professional guidance.
Tujiamini places a strong emphasis on nurturing local sports talent by focusing on grassroots initiatives, ensuring that sports clubs, teams, and individuals receive the support they need to grow. Our initiative also empowers communities by providing resources and backing for local projects, fostering development through sports. Tujiamini helps individuals pursue their dreams, offering both financial aid and mentorship to excel in their chosen fields. This long-term investment in Kenya's sports landscape aims to create a sustainable and thriving environment, supporting diverse talents across various sports and arts, from football to music production.
AWARDS
CATEGORY
NO. OF WINNERS
AWARD AMOUNT
INFORMATION
Gold
Regional winners
1 + winners
KES 1,000,000
Winners are announced regionally every month
Silver award
Regional winners
3 winners
KES 300 000
Winners are announced regionally monthly
Bronze award
Nationwide winners
50 winners
KES 500, 000
Winners are announced nationwide every month
Cheza Dimba Award for men
Regional winners
1 winner
KES 250,000 annually for 3 years
Winners are announced regionally every month
Cheza Dimba Award for women
Regional winners
1 winner
KES 50 000 0nce
Winners are announced regionally every month
To attract capable sponsors for athletes, it’s essential to build a compelling personal brand, highlight achievements, and engage in proactive networking with potential sponsors, such as local businesses and organizations.
To secure amateur athlete sponsorship from a company, start by researching potential sponsors, crafting a persuasive proposal that outlines your value and the advantages for them, and then approaching them with a straightforward pitch that highlights the mutually beneficial partnership.
To elevate your sponsorship chances, it is advisable to focus on creating a firm online presence, showcasing your unique talent, and actively engaging in athletic events to create connections with potential sponsors who share the same goals and ethics as yours.
To get the best return on investment from sports sponsorship, focus on finding opportunities that match your brand's goals. Sponsor teams, events, or athletes that appeal to the same audience you want to reach, making sure their interests and behaviors align with your target customers.
To secure sponsorship as an amateur athlete in Kenya, it's important to build a strong personal brand by showcasing your talent through competitions and social media. Networking within the sports community and targeting brands that align with your values will also create opportunities. Our Tujiamini program is a great choice for those looking for an amateur athlete sponsor, as we offer valuable sponsorship opportunities that can help you grow and succeed in your athletic journey.