Illovo plans big for cycling race
Illovo Sugar Malawi has disclosed big plans to turn Illovo Mphamvu Cycling Race become an international event.
Illovo Assistant Manager Commercial Walter Nyamilandu said the race it has been sponsoring since 2008 has become of age to stake its claims as an international event by inviting cyclists from foriegn countries to compete with local ones.
Nyamilandu broke the news during the prize presentation of Illovo Mphamvu Classic Cycling Race.
He said this was part of the company’s 50th anniversary celebrations since it started manufacturing sugar in the country.
“We are excited to be part of the competition since 2008 and as we are celebrating 50 years since Illovo started producing sugar in the country we have big plans for you,” Nyamilandu said.
“This event has been mainly a Southern Region but we want it become national from Nsanje to Chitipa. And then we would like the organizers to strategise on how they can bring in international cyclists from Zambia, Mozambique, Tanzani to compete so that our local athletes should compete against the best in the region.”
He said the increase of the sponsorship from K2 million to K6 million underlined the company’s commitment to develop cycling in the country.
He said Blantyre Cycling Race and work with Cycling Association of Malawi and Malawi National Council of Sports to strategise on turning the event to a national and eventually international.
Blantyre Cycling Club chairman Dyton Chimwaza applauded Illovo for its commitment to develop cycling in the face of hard economic times most companies are going through.
He also said Illovo had been helping local athletes to participate at international races in South Africa.
Chief Director of Sports Joseph Mwandidya said Illovo was a partner to the government in the development of sports not only cycling.
“Illovo has been supporting the government as you are aware that they also donated K30 million to Nchalo United, K25 to Dwangwa United, and K2 million to the our proud Queens to participate at the World Netball Series tournament,” Mwandidya said.
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