04 Feb 2019

Cycling is a sport used to convey messages and raise awareness, says president of Botswana Cycling Association, Mmetla Masire.

Masire said this on February 2 during the Kgatleng cycle for cancer day themed #IamAndIwill hosted by Joy Foundation in Mochudi.

He said through cycling, messages such as raising awareness for cancer could be made known to people and for them to develop love for the sport.

Masire also said cycling promoted healthy living and made it easier for participants to be alert on health issues such as cancer.

He encouraged all those who took part to continue with the sport, as “it promotes healthy living.”

Masire said cycling helps in distressing, improving mental health and losing weight hence the need to cycle to maintain good health.

Furthermore, Masire applauded Joy Foundation for hosting the cycling day for cancer, and said it was a way of promoting the sport and bringing education to participants on health issues especially cancer.

Bakgatla deputy paramount chief, Kgosi Bana Sekai said cycling for cancer was important as it promoted good health to participants.

He said cycling also brought hope to those who had been diagnosed and enabled them to share their experiences to fight the disease.

Sekai also said some Batswana were diagnosed with non-communicable diseases at high rates, and that it was important for them to be part of the cycle and promote good healthy living.

He further encouraged participants to take part in sports as it encouraged healthy living and also encouraged them to maintain healthy lifestyles.

Oncologist, Dr Sebathu Chiyapo said it was important to cycle for cancer as it was one of the killer diseases in Botswana.

He said it was important for Batswana to screen for cancer so that it could be detected at early stages for early treatment.

“Cancer is a non- communicable disease caused by unhealthy lifestyles and lack of exercising amongst others,” said Dr Chiyapo.

He said it was important to maintain healthy lifestyles in order to reduce the spread of non-communicable diseases.

Joyce Setshedi of Joy Foundation said sports could be used to spread messages and reach out to individuals.

She also said the cycle day was a built up activity for the world commemoration day of cancer to be held in Mochudi on February 4.

Setshedi thanked all those who took part in the activity and said it showed they cared to spread the message through cycling. ENDS