The President’s Charity Cycle Challenge 2017

Riders and cycling enthusiasts came out to Airport junction for The President’s Charity Cycle Challenge. Botswana Railways was among Organisations that participated at the Cycle Challenge which was held on Sunday 03rd September 2017 at Airport Junction Mall. His Excellency the President, Lt Gen. Dr. Seretse Khama Ian Khama and His Honour the Vice President, Mokgweetsi Masisi were among spectators who attended the event.

The President’s Charity Cycle Challenge was in three categories being professional, the corporate ride, as well as the social ride. The annual race aims at raising funds for the Presidential Housing Appeal and the Presidential Charitable Fund. Minister of Transport and Communications, Honorable Minister Kitso Mokaila who participated in the 60km race led The Organisation’s team dubbed BR Express to position four and also handed over a whooping cheque of P41 700.00 donation towards the Presidential Charitable Fund on behalf of the Team BR Express.

The Chief Executive Officer, Botswana Railways Mr. Leonard M. Makwinja gave a spirited performance in the 30 KM race and completed the race. He led another pack of BR Express team against other corporates. His determination to finish the race against the strong winds and challenging terrain was inspirational throughout the race.

Abeng Malete emerged victorious in the 112km race. The Ramotswa born lad who cycled for the South African team Sampada crossed the finish line with a time of 3:01:39.31 whereas Amogelang Thwabi of Botrail came fourth with a time of 3:08:19.87. In the kiddies 10km race, Callen Watson-Ben of Botrail emerged victorious claiming the gold medal for the team.

When welcoming the guests, The President of Botswana Cycling Association Mr. Mmetla Masire thanked His Excellency the President and his organising committee for putting up such an event and noted that it is such a noble cause for them to be gathered utilising the sport of cycling for the purpose of helping those in need. He said it is something that they should all promote in everything they do.

Masire said he was pleased to have brought quality cyclists to the event with visitors from outside the country and top cyclists in the region. He noted that from a fundraising point of view and a cycling point of view the event was a success. “The enthusiasm we saw at the beginning of the corporate event was very exciting and shows that the objective has been achieved. We hope to make the event even bigger in the coming years”, he added.