BPC powers cycle race

The Botswana Power Cooperation (BPC) has sponsored the 2017 BPC Otse _ Kanye Cycling Challenge with a massive P155 000. The sponsorship deal was launched early this week in Gaborone. The race will begin and end in Mogobane Village on the 12th November 2017. Announcing the sponsorship deal to their partners Tsela Riders Cycling Club, BPC spokesperson Dineo Seleke said BPC will be sponsoring the cycling challenge for three years and they shall add 10 percent to the P155 000 for the remaining two years.

“For the upcoming two years we shall be giving out P155 000 plus an additional 10 percent on top, meaning we would have invested over P500 000 by the end of the three year period,” she explained. Through the partnership, Seleke said BPC hopes to assist develop young and female cyclists to also create room for luring in potential investors. “ As mentioned earlier the race route has an eye catching nature view, we can use that to our advantage and maybe be able to develop the place with time.”

She said they want nothing more than turning the club youth team into professional riders in the near future. Seleke said she had absolute confidence in that at the end of the three year deal, they we would have recruited more youth and riders. In addition, Seleke said that there is a possibility of renewing the deal because they are proud to be associated with the club and hope for a beautiful marriage.

On behalf of Botswana Cycling Association (BCA) Tlamelo Dube said they are busy at work to ensure that women develop interest in Cycling. He challenged the Club to ensure that they use part of the sponsorship mainly to develop female athletes, saying the current involvement of women in the sport is worrisome. Dube applauded BPC for their efforts noting that the partnership will be put to good use and as the mother body, they will be providing the necessary support to ensure a successful event.

The International working group on women and sport (IWG) Secretary Game Mothibi gave BCA a pat on the shoulder for recognizing women in sports. Moreover, Mothibi said the BCA has to vigorously ensure that there will be participation of women at the competition. Mothibi advised that women should be encouraged to ride for fun and fitness, “ I urge you Tsela riders to make Gaborone a busy and fitness centre. We want to see a holistic programme that covers both men and women,” she said.Registration is still on for the 120 and 60km race. Last year's tournament was won by Oabile Tingwane in the 120km junior boys category. Bernardo Aysu won the Elite category.