Cyclists embark on 330 km ride

SYDNEY MUBAIWA

MIDLANDS BUREAU

GWERU – Cyclists drawn from different parts of the country have embarked on a grueling 330 km ride stretching from Selous to Zvishavane.

The three – day cycling race have been divided into three laps, starting from Zimplats Complex in Selous to Kwekwe, covering a distance of about 144 km.

In her send off address at Zimplats Mining Complex, Mashonaland West Minister of State Marian Chombo applauded Nedbank for coming up with the development which sge said it should grow and become an international event.

“We are happy with this development and we are also optimistic that this event will grow and become an international event.

” This cycling event again fills an excellent need for fitness and wellness and dovetails with the government’s quest to promote wellness and healthy living to all the citizens,” she said.

Nedbank’s acting head of marketing, Latifa Kassim in an interview said proceeds raised last year managed to cater for 100 children and they are aimed to go higher this year.

“As Nedbank, we are now strong in supporting sporting events like rugby, netball, athletics, golf and cycling.

“As a bank, we are also passionate about health and wellness of the citizens.

“We also believe that sport has the potential to unlock our local talent and create a platform for regional and international exposure,” she said.

Zimplats general manager- processing, Louis Mabiza said they are proud to be part of the event .

“We are happy see the cycling event growing.

“We decided to be part of the Tour de Great Dyke seven years ago and we want to applaud the organisers for continuing to support the event which brings together miners from different mining areas from the Great Dyke,” he said.

Part of the proceeds from the race will be used to support the charitable needs of the Gifted Children Foundation in Zvishavane which assists underprivileged but brilliant students in the Great Dyke to acquire education.

It has been learnt that, to date the Foundation has supported over students at various levels from primary to tertiary education.

Tour de Great Dyke was launched in 2016 to promote miner wellness and raise awareness on the investment opportunities in the 550km long, 12km wide Great Dyke geological complex.