EmaSwati lead registration, 300 is cut-off
EMASWATI are showing big interest in this year’s Imvelo MTB Classic.
Following the Imvelo MTB Classic 2024 sponsorship presentation yesterday by Nedbank Eswatini, it was revealed that just about 200 spaces remain as already, the numbers were at 100 entrants.
“It’s actually exciting with the registration as we now see most emaSwati register when one of the things we set out to achieve was getting the locals to join cycling and to keep their bodies active to stay fit and healthy,” remarked Nedbank Eswatini Managing Director (MD) Fikile Nkosi who said when they started with Big Game Parks, there were very few EmaSwati.
Nkosi also explained as ‘money experts who do good and a purpose-led bank’, what was of paramount importance to them was the impact of the Classic in the society and in helping to fulfil government’s efforts in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Over the years, Imvelo has contributed immensely to various communities and to the economic development of Eswatini. This purpose-driven approach is what we hold dear at Nedbank,” she said while also not forgetting to pay her homage (respect) to Big Game Parks who pioneered the Imvelo MTB Classic and has been growing this event for close to two decades now, to what it is today.
Nkosi was assisted with the registration figures by Big Game Parks Marketing and
Sales Manager Xolani Gama.
“We’ve capped our numbers for this year at 300 as safety of our game and the cyclists is a priority. We are now at 100 and most are locals which is an achievement as locals now have interest in cycling,” she said.
She also appealed to all those who will be part of the race to give respect to the animals as they have the right of way since Mlilwane was their home.
However, she explained that there was a lot of effort put to ensure the success of the event regarding safety issues for both cyclists and animals as signage of routes is made just as visible even though the animals will are always around.
Eswatini Cycling Association (ECA) Interim President William Kelly, in his remarks, encouraged cyclists to take advantage of the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary conservation by paying the required fees to be able to practice for the race there to stay off the public roads for their own safety. He also thanked Nedbank and Big Game Parks for the Mountain Bike race that has hugely been dominated by South Africa. At least this year, it was revealed that there will be special focus for the first and second emaSwati to hit the finish line in the main 65km race set to start at 7:30am.
Other distances in the race are 35km (starts at 8:45am), 22km (starts at 9:15am) and 12.5km (starts at 9:20am), which all have their various conservation prices.