Leina Gabaraane, Stanbic Bank Chief Executive handing out prizes at the Morupule Cycle Challenge
After a gruelling day of cycling for a good cause, Bernardo Ayuso and Anouk Van der Geesttook secured the titles for men’s and female’s 100km race victors respectively at this year’s MCM GM’s Annual Charity Cycle Challenge. The Challenge took place in Palapye on the 25th of October 2015 and was, for the fourth consecutive year, sponsored by Stanbic Bank Botswana.
Bernardowas named winner in the 100km male category with a time of 2 hours, 48 minutes and 17 seconds. Anouktook home the female victor’s title with a time of3 hours and 47 seconds. In the 58km junior male’s category Dimpho Masi emerged victorious in a time of 1 hour, 52 minutes and 1 second, with Jip Vader the junior female’s category winner in a time of 2 hours, 5 minutes and 56 seconds.
“The marriage between sport and community is an incredible one, and cycling serves as a perfect platform upon which to bring together athletes – both amateur and professional – and members of the community to enjoy the many benefits of sport to a society. The MCM GM’s Annual Charity Cycle Challenge is a doubly fantastic platform because it has a truly admirable philanthropic arm. Proceeds raised go towards deserving causes that help drive positive social impact in a sustainable manner. We commend this year’s cyclists for their participation, the courageous winners on their feat, and the communities who rallied behind them,” said Stanbic Bank Botswana Chief Executive, Leina Gabaraane.
The race included options for short (30km), middle (58km) and long (100km) distances starting at the Boiteko Junction along Orapa Road, past Paje and Khama Rhino Sanctuary and back. This year also saw the introduction of a 100km junior race. In addition to sponsorship valued at P200, 000.00 Stanbic Bank also entered eight staff participants into this year’s race.
“We are happy to have delivered another successful instalment of the annual Challenge and to have seen such overwhelming participation and support. We commend Stanbic Bank for their admirable support and encourage more corporates to show such long term efforts towards developing sporting and community platforms,” added General Manager of Morupule Coal Mine, David Kgoboko.
