Engen launches footprint into cycling

At a media conference held at the Sports Science Institute in Cape Town on Tuesday, 13 May, Engen Petroleum Limited launched its entry into cycling with the announcement of the sponsorship of two 'Engen Dynamic Cycle Challenge' races in partnership with Velokhaya, as well as Safe Cycling training courses, in association with the Life Development Cycling Academy.

The sponsorship sees Engen enter a new arena that aligns the leading South African petroleum brand with one of the fastest growing sports in South Africa. Engen's involvement in cycling will see the petroleum company present two premier cycling events that will be staged in Pietermaritzburg and in the Western Cape, on 29 June and 11 October respectively. Licensed cyclists, passionate enthusiasts and fun riders will have the opportunity to participate in long, medium and short course races, with prize monies to the total value of R 30 000.

Furthermore, Engen's entry into cycling includes introduction of specially-designed Safe Cycling training courses aimed at children and beginners. This initiative, to be carried out at schools in Gauteng and the Western Cape, will be driven in association with the Life Cycling Development Academy and further cements Engen's commitment to the development of young South Africans while promoting participation in the sport at an early age.

"As a performance driven brand, Engen welcomes the opportunity to participate in a performance driven sport such as cycling and we hope that our presence will positively contribute to the growth and transformation of the sport in South Africa. We are extremely excited to enter into partnership with a professional outfit such as the Life Development Cycling Academy and Velokhaya and look forward to a long and prosperous relationship.", said Brad Bergh, Corporate Sponsorship Manager at Engen.

CEO of Life Development Cycling Academy and head of Velokhaya comments, "We would like to welcome Engen to the Life Cycling Academy, Velokhaya family and our efforts to transform cycling in South Africa. Key to the success of our efforts is having the support and understanding of a company like Engen in providing opportunities for us to implement sustainable programs and infrastructure in order to ensure that we achieve our goals and objectives for the youth of South Africa."

As is the case with its other sport sponsorships, Engen has committed to raise funds in aid of the Children's Hospital Trust, the fundraising arm of the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, through the Engen Cycling 'Ride for Red' campaign. Funds will be raised from a portion of participant entry fees and various other initiatives around the event.