- Komatsu to kick off its AM600 Cycling Challenge
- Event is about continuing the legacy of the late Debswana MD, Albert Milton
- Proceeds to benefit several charities
GOSEGO MOTSUMI
In an effort to continue the legacy of the late Debswana Managing Director, Albert Milton, the upcoming Komatsu AM 600 Cycling Challenge will improve the lives of underprivileged members of society through identified projects.
Milton was a cycling enthusiast and humanitarian. Slated for 19 to 21st May, Milton’s widow Albertinah and other cyclists will embark on a 600km cycling challenge whose proceeds will go towards upliftment of the underprivileged.
“We can all be helpful in our corner of the world by using whatever gifts God has bestowed upon us,” said Albertinah at the launch of the cycling challenge last week in Gaborone.
“For me and the rest of the team on the Komatsu-AM600 Cycling Challenge, that gift is cycling, hence the use of the sport to better the lives of fellow Batswana.”
Proceeds from the cycling challenge will be invested in the health and education sectors. One of the beneficiaries is the Khwee Clinic in Boteti where a maternity wing will be built and electricity connected to the facility.
The proceeds will also be used to purchase an ultrasound machine for breast cancer charity Journey of Hope, establish a library for St. Joseph’s Primary School and buy furniture for Mokoboxane Primary School.
“May I also say the projects were not chosen just randomly,” Albertinah noted. “They came about after much deliberation and careful consideration. We believe health and education are the core of any nation’s success, hence our zooming in on these two sectors. We will begin to see the results and fruits of our labour in due course.”
Also speaking at the launch, the Chief Health Officer Dietetics at the Ministry of Health, Gladness Tlhomelang, said the donations would “certainly” take some the pressure from the government as the maternity wing will impact positively on reducing maternal mortality.
“Every mother-to-be deserves to bring their baby into the world in a dignified manner that includes the designated birthing place,” she pointed out. “Breast cancer remains one of the leading cancers around the world and indeed here at home. I firmly believe that the ultrasound machine donation to Journey of Hope will go a long way in aiding early detection.”
Even so, the cyclists will be riding for the good cause departing from Jwaneng to Gaborone via Lobatse on the 19th of May, which is a 200km route. They will be joined by the First Lady, Neo Masisi, on the 20th whey they cycle from Gaborone to Mahalapye. They will be complete the journey on the 21st, riding from Mahalapye back to Gaborone.