Bless Zoshe
Buea, Cameroon
As Buea and the Southwest region intensify preparations ahead of celebrations to mark the 50th Anniversary of Cameroon’s Reunification, officials of the National Cycling Federation say they too are mobilizing to host a three day cycling tournament in Buea, to mark the event.
According to the President of the Regional League, and 3rd National Vice President Barrister John Kameni, at least 70 cyclists drawn from 7 clubs in the Littoral, Centre, and Southwest regions are expected for the race. The race will be run in two laps; from Douala to Kumba on the 17th of May and from Kumba to Buea on the 18th of May.
Barrister John Kameni SW Cycling Boss
“As Cameroonians know, the Head of State practices the sport himself, and the First Lady sponsors it for the country. It is for these reasons that we of the Southwest region, in collaboration with the National Bureau, thought it wise that with the coming of the 50th Anniversary Celebrations, the main animating event should be the ‘Reunification Race’ in Buea. The event will also feature two ‘cycling festivals’ in Kumba, and at the Bongo Square, Buea.
In terms of preparations so far, Barrister Kameni said “we have already set the ball rolling, we will write to many administrative and business authorities within the region and nationwide, to make sure that this event gets the ‘glory’ it deserves, and brings to life the very essence of our reunification.”
Though worried about the general level of adoption of the sport in Cameroon, JK as he is fondly called said Buea presents a wonderful and unique landscape for aspects like sprint and climbing.
“It is good for the sport all over; to make sure the topography is not flat. That is why we move from Douala to Kumba where it is all almost flat and from Kumba to Buea where it is all steep, for people to exercise their muscles, and the topography works positively for that.”
Commenting on the situation of cycling in the region, the Regional President said for now, there is only one club, with about 12 cyclists in Limbe. Nonetheless, he sounded optimistic that with their current drive, and with the collaboration of companies like CDC, SONARA, and other, the situation will improve tremendously.
“Immediately we took office, we gave some money to our technical team to make sure that all the available bicycles were refurbished, we bought some new equipment for the cyclists, and they are training very hard. We hope that this race will give an opportunity for companies within the region to come in.
It is very funny that you have a company like CDC, which does not have a cycling club. SONARA has a tennis club, basketball club, volleyball club… and they cannot have a cycling club.
This Reunification tournament will stand as a springboard, to showcase cycling in our region because certain sports are being looked upon as sports practiced east of the Mungo, and we are saying “No” to that. Those who manage our resources should know that it is time for them to give the opportunity to every Cameroonian. We will do everything possible to open up to these people,” Kameni declared.
With regards to prizes, only one, with an undisclosed sum has been announced, but it is hoped that more details on the race would be communicated before the event from May 17 – 18, in Buea.
