Nedbank Namibia officially launched the 2023 edition of its longest running cycling entity, the Nedbank Cycle Challenge at a press conference held at the Nedbank Campus in Windhoek this morning.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Sport, Youth and National Service, Honourable Agnes Tjongarero, remarked commended Nedbank Namibia for the bank’s contribution to  cycling in Namibia.

"Sporting competitions play a vital role in the development of our nation. They bring people together, promote a healthy lifestyle, and foster a sense of national pride. The Nedbank Cycle Challenge is a prime example of this principle, as it not only showcases the beauty of our nation but also encourages Namibians to lead active lifestyles and take on personal challenges. As the Minister of Sport, I am proud to say that sports in Namibia are thriving. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our athletes, coaches, and administrators, who have proven time and time again that they have what it takes to compete on the world stage," she mentioned.

The Nedbank Cycle Challenge - dubbed the "Greatest Ride Under the Sun", saw its debut 1986 and is one of the oldest competitive cycling races in Namibia. Last year featured over 750 cyclists taking part in varied distances of 20 kilometres, 30 kilometres, 60 kilometres, and 100 kilometres. This year’s race which will take place on Sunday, 12 February 2023, will have  the same race distance categories, and will start at Nedbank Campus, on the corner of Fidel Castro and Rev. Michael Scott Street, and conclude on Independence Avenue in front of the Zoo Park.

In her speech at the launch, the Minister also reverberated the importance of sports in the development of education.

"Studies have shown that children who participate in sports perform better academically and have better attendance rates. In Namibia, we have seen first hand the positive impact that sports can have on education. Thus, programmes that promote the integration of sports and physical activity into the school curriculum must continue. I would like to encourage all Namibians to get involved in sports, whether it be as a participant or a spectator. Together, we have the ability to continue constructing a nation of robust and healthy people," she concluded.

In his official remarks, Nedbank Namibia Chief Financial Officer, JG van Graan, stated that the Nedbank Namibia team is proud to be part of an organisation which actively and intentionally sets out to do good in the communities that it serves in.

"For 37 years now, we've proudly sponsored this competitive cycling event, which has helped foster some truly spectacular bikers-in-the-making over time. We have welcomed more than 1,000 riders in recent years, making this one of Namibia’s most outstanding showcases in the area of athletics. Namibia's growing reputation as an enthusiastic cycling nation in Africa has seen the country participating in the Olympic Games and hosting the African Continental Mountain Bike (MTB) Championships, as well as races sanctioned by the International Cycling Union (UCI),” Van Graan mentioned.

The Nedbank Cycle Challenge co-sponsors include, Windhoek Pedal Power Cycling Club, Coca Cola Namibia, Namibia Health Plan, and PayToday.

"We look forward to working together with our co-sponsors and partners to help elevate the caliber of sports in Namibia. We also recognise the importance of working with the government to achieve our goals. We are honored to have our Ministry of Sport, Youth, and National Service represented here today, and we look forward to continuing our partnership to promote and develop cycling in Namibia," Van Graan concluded.