Inline skater shares experiences of gruelling marathon

Matola-Gare – Sports teacher and inline skating athlete Donaldo Salvador celebrated the success of the Maratona com Tocha da Unidade, the biggest skating marathon in Mozambique, by visiting sponsor, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) in Mozambique’s factory at Matola-Gare. 

CCBA supplied participants in the marathon with drinks to speed them on their way as they completed the gruelling trip around the country over three months earlier this year. 

“CCBA’s vision is to refresh Africa every day and make the continent a better place for all and our sponsorship of these courageous athletes is an expression of that commitment,” said Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability Director, Neyde Pires. 

“A balanced, active lifestyle is an important part of staying healthy and we are proud to support Donaldo and his team in growing the sport of inline skating and getting more people to be active,” said Pires. 

Donaldo Salvador started the marathon by skating around the provinces sharing his knowledge and training young people to skate and then inviting them to join him in the marathon. “When you do what you love, it makes it easier to overcome the barriers and obstacles, and I am grateful to all who trusted me and supported my dream. With sponsors like CCBA and my supporters I am now able to earn an income doing what I love.” 

“It has been inspirational to have Donaldo at our plant, to share his story with us and remind us of what is possible if we work together to achieve our goals,” said Pires.  

“People everywhere want new beverages and experiences throughout their day and, as the largest franchised bottler of The Coca-Cola Company in Africa, CCBA is innovating to give people more of what they want while encouraging informed choices and balanced lifestyles. Donaldo and his team were able to enjoy a range of our soft drinks as they completed the marathon, ensuring they were hydrated and had a range of exciting flavours to enjoy. 

“We know that what we put in our bottles is only half of the story. We have to go beyond what’s inside the bottle to make a real difference. That’s why we provide smaller, more convenient packages, making it easier to control sugar intake.  

“And we voluntarily offer clear, easy-to-find calorie information on our packaging so people can make informed choices. It’s also why we do business the right way by following our values and partnering for solutions that benefit us all, creating inclusive growth opportunities for communities, women and youth, and sourcing locally wherever possible,” said Pires. 

Related Media Releases

Launch of cutting-edge recycling facility in Namibia 

A N$24 million (over US$1.2million) investment through a partnership between Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) in Namibia and Plastic Packaging has culminated in the opening of a new polyethylene terephthalate (PET) flaking plant in Okahandja which will double the capacity of the only mechanical recycler of plastic waste in the country. 

Drought, floods show urgency of improved water security in Africa

Africa’s vulnerability to climate change was once again demonstrated in late 2023, when torrential rains swept across much of East Africa, bringing devastating floods just six months after a record-breaking five-season drought in the region.

Women to shake up hospitality scene with new skills

Women bartenders and students seeking a career in the hospitality industry will have the opportunity to sharpen their skills following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) in Mozambique and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.