GIFTED Children Foundation of Midlands found favour in the eyes of corporates and various stakeholders as the Nedbank Tour de Great Dyke cemented their support and love to see the children reach their maximum potential.
The annual 328km cycling race across the Great Dyke region flagged off from Zimplats Metallurgical Complex in Selous on Thursday. Cyclists rode from Selous to Kwekwe and put up for the night at the King Solomon Hotel.
On Friday, cycling continued in the morning, through Gweru into Shurugwi for the Unkie Mine lap, and yesterday, the grand finale saw the cyclists completing the gruelling journey via the Mimosa lap into Zvishavane.
"Nedbank is proud to support this cycle charity race which will make a tangible difference in the lives of the children at the Gifted Children Foundation in Midlands. We believe in empowering individuals and communities to reach their full potential. This tour embodies that spirit, promoting physical activity, teamwork, and social responsibility," Nedbank senior human resources manager Ernest Chisi said.
"Through this partnership, we aim to raise funds towards the school fees for the children, foster a sense of community among participants and supporters, encourage a healthy lifestyle and environmental sustainability. Nedbank is committed to making an impact in the lives of these children and allowing them to thrive through access to quality education. This event is a testament to our dedication to giving back and driving positive change.
"We salute our cyclists' dedication and passion. A new journey will take you through challenging terrain, but the rewards will be immeasurable. You will experience the warmth of Zimbabwean hospitality, the stunning sites of the Great Dyke, and the thrill of pushing yourself to great heights."
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Guest of honor, Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs, and Devolution minister Marian Chombo emphasised sports tourism.
“Events like this attract tourists, generate income for local businesses, and create jobs, noting the ripple effects that visitors have on the hospitality sector," Chombo said.
"With an influx of tourists, local hotels, restaurants, artisans, and vendors all stand to benefit, making the tour an important economic driver for the region. By showcasing the area’s cultural and natural attractions, she said the event not only boosts local income but also raises the country's profile as a destination for sports and eco-tourism. Let us continue to work together to create a future where sport and tourism thrive hand in hand."
Zimplats senior general manager (processing) Louis Mabiza underscored the company's motivation for backing the event.
"Zimplats has been a consistent partner of this event since its launch in 2016. Our association with Tour de Great Dyke is not about making numbers; we fully subscribe and relate to the objectives behind this initiative," said Mabiza.
"For us at Zimplats, the Great Dyke is our home. For more than two decades, we have been growing the level of our investments for the benefit of all stakeholders, among them the communities around our operations. It is thus exciting to see more investors such as Karo, Global Resources, Bravura, and Great Dyke Investments, carrying out mining ventures on the Great Dyke."
Chloride Zimbabwe donated a solar system to long-serving cyclist Wilson Dube (83). Chloride operations manager Pamela Magura said that was part of their corporate social responsibility.
"As a battery manufacturing company, we have donated a 2kv solar system, which we will install at Dube's homestead in Chivi district in Masvingo as recognition for his resilience in cycling. This is also part of encouraging young people to venture into cycling as a sporting activity," Magura said.
"We have partnered with mining companies within the Great Dyke region as our customers and we will always support the companies since the Great Dyke Tour inception in 2016."
Nedbank is the Tour de Great Dyke title sponsor. Apart from Zimplats, the other sponsors and partners of the event are hosts YAFM, AngloAmerican, Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company, Cycling Zimbabwe, Exide Batteries, Schweppes, Cell Insurance, Cellmed Health Medical Fund, and Dendairy. Others include Odyssey Lodge, King Solomon Hotels, Palawani Lakeworld Resort, Gifted Children Foundation, Traffic Safety Council, and Nyaradzo Group.