Cycle Classic to contribute to education

The 2014 edition of The Namibian Pick n Pay Cycle Classic is set to take place on 11 and 12 October 2014.

More than 500 cyclists have so far registered and it is anticipated that the entry number will top 2,000 this year.

Pick n Pay (PnP) Namibia a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group of Companies and one of the main sponsors of the Namibian Pick n Pay Cycle Classic, together with the Rotarians is pleased that this year’s cycle classic will contribute towards education in Namibia.
Said Henry Feris, Managing Director of PnP: “This great event, which has been running for many years, speaks to the hearts and minds of all O&L employees as it supports our purpose ‘Creating a future, enhancing life’. Not only do we aspire to enhance the health and well-being of our nation, but at the same time we aim to demonstrate our care for our communities by being responsible and adding value locally.”
The funds that will be raised this year by the Namibian Pick n Pay Cycle Classic will finance numerous other projects and needy causes. This will allow 800 illustrated dictionaries to be purchased which will be allocated to primary schools in high density suburbs of the capital city as well as schools in smaller towns.
The chairman of the organizing team for the community fundraising cycling project of Rotary Club Windhoek (RCW), Danny Meyer said that literacy and early childhood development are important – not only for Pick n Pay Namibia but also the Rotarians. He added, “Take for example the literacy campaign of RCW that provides English illustrated dictionaries to schools. RCW pays a highly subsidized N$75 per copy, which barely covers shipping costs, with Rotary Clubs in the United Kingdom paying for the printing. The same applies to the container load of wheelchairs imported earlier this year. RCW only had to meet local import and related costs, with the manufacturer of the wheelchairs paid by a foundation funded by Rotary Clubs in developed countries.”
RCW does not merely support projects and programmes in and around the capital city. Worthy causes in other parts of the country where there is not a Rotary club locally also receive support. Of the wheelchairs received last year more than 60% were allocated to disabled individuals needing improved mobility in faraway towns. This included the Cheshire Home in Katima Mulilo.
The Namibian Pick n Pay Cycle Classic started off as a small cycling event with only 750 entries in 2000 but has grown to become a major national event on the country’s sports calendar.
Registration starts on Friday, 10 October 2014 from 17h00-19h00 at the Doc Jubber Hockey Field, Cricket Street, Olympia and continues on Saturday, 11 October 2014 for the road-race from 11h30-13h30.