SYDNEY MUBAIWA
CHEGUTU- Mines have been praised for their sports and wellness programmes by the Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs Minister, Marian Chombo.
Minister Chombo was speaking at the sending off ceremony for over 200 cyclists who began a grueling 320km lap from Chegutu to Zvishavane.
The three day event will see athletes rolling the pedals to Kwekwe, a distance of 170 km and stay there overnight before proceeding tomorrow to Shurugwi.
The race will end on Saturday with the final leg being the ride between Shurugwi and Zvishavane.
“This tour has grown into one of the most anticipated events on our national sporting and social calendar- a true fusion of endurance, community and compassion. It brings together cyclists from across the nation and beyond, uniting them in purpose and passion.
“Equally important, this tour reinforces our shared commitment to environmental awareness and sustainability. From an economic standpoint, the Nedbank Tour de Great Dyke is a powerful catalyst for growth. It attracts visitors, boosts tourism and supports small enterprises.
“Let me comment the mining companies for their robust wellness programmes for employees and the community which supports healthy behaviour and improvement of health outcomes with prevention of illnesses,” she said.
A major feature of the 2025 edition is a new 80- kilometre competitive race from the Unki turnoff in Shurugwi to Zvishavane. The challenge is expected to attract elite cyclists and test stamina, strategy and teamwork.
The Great Dyke Tour encourages healthier lifestyle, teamwork, and mental resilience while giving back to those who need it most,” he said.
Proceeds from the race are channeled to support the charitable needs of Gifted Children Foundation that assists underprivileged but talented learners in the Great Dyke GeologicalComplex.
To date, the Foundation has supported over 100 learners at various levels from primary to tertiary education using part of the proceeds.
Tour de Great Dyke was launched in 2016 to promote miner wellness, love for the environment and raise awareness of the investment opportunities in the Great Dyke geological complex which is home to the country’s major mining companies such as Mimosa, Unki, Zimplats, Zimasco , Afrochine and Great Dyke Investments.
The event is sponsored by Nedbank as title sponsor, Mimosa, Zimplats, Exide batteries, Cycling Zimbabwe, Cell Insurance, Nyaradzo Group, Palawani, Ingwebu,Delta Corporation Runde Rural District Council ,Mining Industry Pension Fund (MIPF) ,Schweppes, Manica Bikes among others.
