27 Aug 2024

 Morupule Cycling Club has been commended for hosting the 13th cycling challenge.

Diamond Trading Company Botswana (DTCB) managing director, Sedireng Serumola commended the club on Sunday at the end of the 2024 Morupule Coal Mine CEO’s Charity Challenge where cyclists and walkers from various clubs and organisations tackled distances of 120 km, 90 km, 60 km and 30 km.

Serumola said the challenge was not just a date on Morupule Mine’s calendar, but that it symbolised the company’s deep commitment to supporting the less fortunate in the community and promoting the health and well-being of both employees and Palapye residents.

He said the cycling challenge reflected the coal mine’s unwavering dedication to community upliftment and social responsibility, adding that the mine had long been a pillar of strength and development in the Palapye region, contributing not only through its core operations in coal mining, but also by actively engaging in community development initiatives.

Furthermore, he said their commitment to responsible mining and ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life for residents of Palapye were evident in projects ranging from educational support to infrastructural development.

Serumola added that the cycle challenge was yet another example of how the coal mine went beyond its mining license to ensure that its legacy was felt across the community.

He said at DTCB, they shared a vision that was aligned with the coal mine’s goals of fostering sustainable socio-economic development, and that their partnership was not merely symbolic but was a testament to their shared values and commitment to making a lasting impact.

Serumola also said DTCB believed in the power of the community and the benefits that initiatives could bring to the lives of those in need.

He noted that Morupule Cycling Club has played an instrumental role in promoting cycling as a sport and acknowledged that the race has grown and was now attracting riders from beyond the border thereby contributing to the growth of sport tourism.

Also, he thanked cyclists for their continued support and participation, saying their presence enriched the challenge and strengthened the bonds of friendship and sportsmanship across borders.

He described the cycling club as a vibrant community that embodied the spirit of teamwork, perseverance and dedication, adding that it was pivotal in organising the cycle challenge and bringing people from all walks of life to participate in the sport that promoted health, camaraderie and a shared sense of purpose.

Serumola said this year’s challenge was one of the best-registered races in recent years, and that it was a clear testament to its growing popularity and significance. 

“The overwhelming number of participants reflects not only the community’s enthusiasm for this event, but also the widespread recognition of its impact,” he said.

He applauded the coal mine and the cycling club for their foresight in investing the proceeds from the 2023 Challenge into a solar project at Cheshire Foundation. 

Serumola added that the initiative was not only a significant contribution to the community, but was also aligned with the broader commitment to sustainability and decarbonisation.

He said by supporting renewable energy projects, the coal mine was taking concrete steps towards a greener future and demonstrating leadership in the transition to sustainable energy sources.

The coal mine’s chief executive officer, Edwin Elias said the event marked a significant milestone in their collective efforts to foster community spirit, promote wellness and support charitable causes that made a difference in the lives of many.

He thanked the Palapye District leadership for their support and participation in the challenge. 

“We are grateful for your leadership and the collaborative spirit you bring to this event,” he said.

Elias said the community’s participation has elevated the event and made it not just a race, but a celebration of unity and shared purpose, adding that the CEO’s annual charity cycle challenge was more than just a race, but an initiative aimed at raising funds for charity projects that made a real difference in their community.

He said cycling had numerous benefits beyond the charitable aspect and that it promoted fitness and wellness, adding that the physical and mental health benefits of cycling were well-documented.

Elias noted that the cycling club had nurtured young cyclists from Palapye and the surrounding areas, and that the initiative was not only about competition, but also about mentorship, training and providing opportunities for young athletes to excel.

He said they were proud of the talent that was emerging from their club and were committed to continuing their support for the young cyclists. 

Furthermore, he encouraged everyone to join their cycling club or to support it in any way possible.

Stanbic Bank Botswana head of business and commercial banking, Lesego Osman said they were proud to continue to support the initiative through a three-year sponsorship and contributing P250 000 each year. He added that in addition they contributed close to P55 000 to make the day as special as it was. Ends