SPORTS Minister Vincent Mwale says Choova Bicycle Race will remain supported by the Government.
The minister said when he officiated at this year’s Choova Bicycle Race held in Chipata yesterday that the ministry of youth, sport and child development would continue collaboration with diverse stakeholders and partners to ensure that Choova was developed to international levels such as Tour de-France.
Mwale said in a speech read on his behalf by assistant secretary Royd Tembo that Choova was unique because it was attracting both the tourists and local people.
The minister said sport such as Choova was providing the communities with the much needed entertainment and keeps the young people out of unproductive activities.
He said Choova was good because it was refraining youths from indulging into vices such as been drinking and prostitution among others.
“In this regard Choova as a well thought community sport initiative will remain supported by the Government through the ministry of youth, sport and child development,” he said.
Mwale said President Edgar Lungu led-Government would endeavor to create policy environment to encourage community participation in sport to empower people in the country socially and economically.
He paid tribute to the organisers of Choova for the tireless efforts in making this year’s Choova a successful amidst many challenges during the preparations.
Speaking earlier, Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) Chipata station manager Stainley Mwanza warned cyclists to be careful when they were cycling their bicycles by following up the rules and regulation on the road to avoid accidents.
He said RTSA was gratified that it was part and parcel of the successful Choova which he said was part of raising awareness amongst the cyclists.
Mwanza said the major reasons for targeting the cyclists was because Chipata was relying on bicycles as a source of transport.
Choova was basically a community event that begun in 2002 by the Patel family.
Meanwhile, in a 52.2 kilometres race for men, Eliab Ngoma became victorious and walked home with big ‘tyred’ mountain bike and was trailed by Maliseni Phiri who got a plasma television set.
Some winners in the women and people living with disabilities categories walked home with different prizes.
very useless competition , please stop it ,one the bicycles are not of the same standard, two roads have no provision for cycling lanes, three no standard uniform(kit) to participants, also when cycling their is too much sweat produced more especially pa ni yo the organisers need to give participants tissues and water to clean themselves before and after
If truly govt supports Choova, they would have provided safe gear for these cyclists. This is a ride competition and we all know that falls may occur. What do the cyclist have to protect from head injuries?