The State Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sports to Introduce Cycling Federation in Western Equatoria State
By Baraka John
The State Minister of Youth Culture and Sports in Western Equatoria revealed that the ministry has fully registered the branch of the cycling association under the national cycling federation.
Addressing youth who gathered to attend a peace concert organized by the youth coordination office of the Catholic Diocese of Tambura Yambio on Easter Monday, Hon David Simbi disclosed that, a team from the national cycling federation visited Yambio in January to assess the ground for the branch of the association.
“So, the cycling competition that we will embark on is the one that will benefit you, your state, and your country. This completion has four types of bicycles that are used by the participants, this includes road bike, truck bike, mountain bike, and BMX. These are the types of bikes that the ministry intends to bring here in the state”, Hon. Simbi said.
The Minister has called on young people in the State to embrace sports activities so that they can stay healthy. He said soon the ministry will send the selected number of young men to travel to Khartoum to acquire skills on cycling completion, who will become Trainer of trainees.
“Now we need young people to join this federation because once you are selected to compete, you will be needed to perform well, definitely you will be rewarded. The ministry has also registered with the European cycling federation, so we are set to participate in any cycling competition to come on our way”, He added.
He added that the national cycling federation has pledged to support the ministry with some sports bikes to allow young people to begin practicing.
There are several categories of bicycle racing including road bicycle racing, cyclo-cross, mountain bike racing, track cycling, BMX, and cycle speedway. Non-racing cycling sports include artistic cycling, cycle polo, freestyle BMX and mountain bike trials. But Hon. Simbi said the state will only focus on road bikes, track bikes, mountain bikes, and BMX.
According to better health.vic.gov. au. the health benefits of regular cycling help increase cardiovascular fitness, increased muscle strength, and flexibility, improved joint mobility, and decreased stress levels.