Africa-Press – Namibia. Organisers of the first-ever Namport Nedbank Powerhouse Challenge, which is set to take place in Lüderitz on 2-3 May 2025, say all systems are set to go.
The event is organised by Powerhouse Cycling Club, which was initially established as a social cycling club by a group of friends in 2017 before getting affiliated with the Namibia Cycling Federation in 2023.
Namport and Nedbank Namibia are the two main sponsors, with two new sponsors set to be confirmed in the coming days.
The secretary general of Powerhouse Cycling Club, Joao da Costa, said everything is in place with regards to registration, as the link has been sent to potential participants through Pay Today:
‘The fliers are already circulating on social media and registration already closed on Monday, 28 April. We expect plus-minus 80 cyclists to participate and 120 to 150 people to participate in the marathon.’
He added that this is a new initiative that aims to entice people from the southern parts of the country to participate in cycling.
‘The idea is to expose people from rural areas and areas where cycling has not been taking place to the sport. Most cycling events take place in Windhoek. As a cycling club, the event is our way of promoting cycling development in Namibia. We want people from the south to participate and enjoy the thrill of competitive racing while promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.’
On 2 May, the competition will be amongst mountain bike cyclists who will tackle the 25km and 50km events, while the runners will partake in the 5km, 10km and 25km races.
On 3 May cycling road racers will participate partaking in the 50km and 100km categories.
Cliff Shikuambi, the manager for marketing and stakeholder engagement at Namport, emphasised the company’s commitment to supporting nation-building initiatives in collaboration with other Namibian enterprises. He stated that Namport has a fiduciary responsibility to contribute positively to the development of the nation.
Shikuambi highlighted that Namport’s involvement in the Namport Nedbank Powerhouse Challenge reflects a broader vision that extends beyond the operational scope of ports:
“The Namport Nedbank Powerhouse Challenge serves not only as an athletic event but also as a significant platform for community development and wellness, showcasing the potential of towns like Lüderitz as well as illustrating how such initiatives can uplift communities and promote healthy lifestyles among residents.”
He urged other corporate entities to unite in backing initiatives that foster nation-building and create a sustainable impact for all Namibians.
Nedbank Namibia’s communications and public relations manager, Selma Kaulinge, said that as banking experts, their support for the event is not just because of the bank’s passion for cycling but because it is happening in a town that will see a lot of growth in the near future:
‘At Nedbank Namibia, we believe in the power of sport to unite communities, drive economic growth, and foster national pride. Through our continued sponsorship of cycling and running events like the Namport Nedbank Powerhouse Challenge, we are not only promoting healthy, active lifestyles but also investing in the development of towns like Lüderitz. Cycling and running have the potential to produce world-class athletes while showcasing Namibia’s potential on the global stage, and we are proud to be part of that journey.’
She called on the residents of Lüderitz and all the towns in the Hardap and ||Kharas regions, as well as the rest of the country, to come out in numbers and support the event by either cycling or running the marathon.
For More News And Analysis About Namibia Follow Africa-Press
