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| Sports |
| ‘Cycling a forgotten sport’ |
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by
Herbert Chandilanga, 16 June 2006
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07:00:23
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Sports, mainly cycling, has not had enough support, a situation that leads into sports people’s career benefits not being realised.
This was observed by the president of the Cycling Association of Malawi (Cam) when he accepted a K250,000 sponsorship by Celtel for the organisation of a 115km Celtel Cycle Classic Race to be held on July 2.
The race will be from Limbe, down the Robert Mugabe Highway and back, the winner getting K7,500.
Mkwezalamba said lack of sponsorship which resulted in lack of equipment for the smooth running of cycling activities, is one reason Malawi has been failing to participate at the Olympics.
He observed that, against the background of lack of sponsorship, “Cam has all the reasons to be highly indebted to Celtel for the sponsorship.”
“We hope this sponsorship will be of mutual benefit, to Celtel and us,” said Mkwezalamba.
Celtel Marketing manager, Charles Maye, said his organisation is geared towards making life better and that the very idea of sponsoring cyclists was in line with the vision.
“Cycling plays a big role in ensuring the country has high mobility. Cycling can make a huge and positive difference in making Malawi more mobile,” said Maye.
He also highlighted on prospects that his company would consider making the sponsorship annual and that “Celtel would do a lot more things with cyclists.”
Cam treasurer, William Le Roux, said the association is working towards reviving the affiliation with Union Cycling International that Cam lost in the 90s.”
“Lack of equipment and maladministration have hindered progress of the cycling sector, but supports like this we’ve had today is a big boost,” said Le Roux.
The race, according to Mkwezalamba, is open to the general public.
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