Omaruru Spar Cycle Race launched

The Omaruru Spar Cycle Race which will take place for the 15th consecutive year on Sunday, 9 February, was launched in Windhoek on Tuesday.

The main sponsor will once again be Omaruru Spar, which announced a sponsorship of N$45 000, while FNB Omaruru announced a N$10 000 sponsorship.

The organiser of the event, Bethold Karumendo of the Directorate of Sport said there would be no entry fee, while cyclists could participate over 25km, 60km or 106km. Karumendu thanked the manager of Omaruru Spar, Bobby Griebel for his support over the years.

“Thanks for your sponsorship Bobby and for giving back to the community of Omaruru,” he said.

“We invite all cyclists to compete and the Directorate of Sport will assist cyclists from other areas with transport to Omaruru,” he said.

The manager of Omaruru Spar, Bobby Griebel said the event had grown into one of the longest sponsored sporting events in Namibia.

“The Omaruru Spar Cycle Challenge started in 2000 and since then it has become one of the longest sponsored sport events outside Windhoek. Our main objective has been to involve the youth in sport and specifically cycling,” he said.

Griebel also thanked the Directorate of Sport which will assist with transport.

“We are delighted to have the Directorate of Sport involved this year and our dream is to achieve 21 years of hosting the Omaruru Spar Cycle Race,” he added.

Vicky Muranda of FNB Namibia said that cycling was one of the fastest growing sports in Namibia and expressed the hope that some of the top participants in Omaruru would enter the FNB Desert Dash which takes place between Windhoek and Swakopmund in December.

Jo-Anne Manuel of the Directorate of Sport thanked the sponsors for their support, saying that the government had sponsored N$17 000 towards the event.

“Normally the government has to put in the biggest amount to host these events, but if the private sector makes it worthwhile so that the government does not have to put in the biggest chunk, we will always assist,” she said.

She also commended Karumendu for his hard work and for making an impact in Omaruru.

“Well done Bethold, we are proud of you. You have only been with the ministry for three years but you have made a big impact,” she said.

The event will start at 08h00 on Sunday, 9 February in front of Omaruru Spar.

More information or entry forms can be obtained from somethingwoody@iway.na or from Bobby Griebel at 0811281718.