Windhoek – RMB through the FNB Foundation handed an amount of N$168 000 to the Namibia Cycling Federation (NCF) for the 2016/17 Kids on Bikes development project.
The Kids on Bikes project which takes cycling development to the Oshana, Otjozondjupa, Omaheke, Erongo and Khomas regions, gets kids onto bikes as early as possible, trains local coaches to a NCF level 1 coaching qualification and introduces BMX as a UCI cycling discipline. UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) is the world’s cycling governing body.
“All of these developmental objectives are commendable and the FNB Foundation and RMB Namibia are happy to support such initiatives, which bring young Namibians together while teaching them a skill, emphasizing the importance of exercise and spending time outdoors,” says Revonia Kahivere, Corporate Social Investment Manager of FNB Namibia.
Sally Harper, Secretary General of the NCF thanked RMB and FNB and gave some feedback on future plans: “Our main emphasis will be strengthening our BMX footprint in the North through a new race day in Outapi, a follow-up visit in Omuthiya, and possibly, with the help of the Directorate of Sport, a new race day in Rundu too, with KAYEC as partner.
“We will also – via our BMX Challenge series in the regions we have visited so far – open up the age groups in which kids can compete, extending this from 8 years and under to 16 years and under.
“And we are confident that we will be able to make a start with the infrastructure needed to grow BMX – a pump track in Katutura and a modest racetrack on IJG Trails Farm Windhoek. Thus far, a total of 217 kids have participated in the RMB/NCF Kids on Bikes events in the different regions.”
Sally of NCF said: “Altogether 57 children attended this race day and clearly enjoyed themselves enormously. The bikes donated to the Omaruru bike centre will surely be a source of good clean fun for the kids as well as a place where they will learn some life skills, such as discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship.”