Minister of Youth and Sports, Agnes Tjongarero, has encouraged women to participate in the 37th edition of the Nedbank National Cycling Challenge, set to take place in the coming week.
During the launch of the event, Tjongarero highlighted that cycling is a sport that promotes gender equality and has the potential to greatly impact society if utilized properly.
She emphasized the value it brings to healthy living and stated that increased participation from women would lead to a more diverse and better country.
“I want women to join this cycling challenge, it creates a healthy living and gender equality in sport, and that’s what Namibia wants to see. I think if we can have more women partaking it would lead to a better country and a society with diversity,” she said.
The Nedbank National Cycling Challenge is a highly regarded and well-attended event that draws cyclists from Namibia and beyond. Last year, the challenge saw approximately 700 participants, and the organizers aim to see a rise in numbers this year.
JG van Graan, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Nedbank Namibia, stated that the event has been instrumental in encouraging women’s participation in sports and addressing issues of sports inequality in Namibia.
He added that the desert dash was a success last year, with the first black women’s team finishing the race and receiving the same prize money as their male counterparts.
“Without a doubt, this competition has been one of those that have encouraged more women to compete in sports. We have a huge number of women and girls competing in this competition and this tells you have much of an impact it has on the society. We have also through our event managed to address the issues of sports inequality in Namibia which is beautiful to see,” he said
This year’s competition will take place on February 12th.
