113 Cyclists embark on epic Twende Butiama cycling tour

DAR ES SALAAM: 113 CYCLISTS have featured in 2024 Twende Butiama Cycling Tour and include participants from Kenya, Rwanda, Congo, Malawi, Zambia and Burundi.

Over the next two weeks, they will embark on a remarkable 1,846-kilometre journey from Dar es Salaam to Butiama, traversing 12 regions to improve the lives of 100,000 people along the way.

This initiative, honouring the legacy of the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, aims to combat the critical challenges of ignorance, poverty and disease through cycling, a sport that Nyerere cherished.

Cyclist leader Gabriel Landa told the “Daily News” that participating in this event annually is always an exceptional experience.

He noted that it not only commemorates the late Father of the Nation but also serves as an important opportunity for physical exercise and staying fit.

“This tour is about more than just cycling, it’s about giving back and honouring Mwalimu’s commitment to education, health and the environment. With every kilometre we ride, we inspire action for a better Tanzania.”

The event has received support from several stakeholders including Vodacom Tanzania, Stanbic Bank Tanzania, YUNA, Kuunda, ABC Impact and DarVelo Cycling.

At the flag-off ceremony, Director of External Affairs and the Vodacom Tanzania Foundation, Zuweina Farah said, “We believe in creating lasting social impact by empowering people and protecting the planet.

“Last year, our partnership resulted in planting 6,000 trees, donating 610 desks to 13 schools and providing free medical care to over 3,200 people.

With more support this year, I’m confident we can achieve even greater impact.”

This year’s tour will provide significant contributions, including the donation of 1,500 desks, planting 50,000 trees with education on environmental conservation and offering free medical camps in 12 regions, where communities will have access to consultations, screenings and treatments.

In addition to distributing school supplies and providing healthcare, this year’s tour will feature a digi-truck offering free digital skills training, thanks to a partnership between Huawei and Vodacom Tanzania.

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Another stakeholder, the Sustainability Manager at Stanbic Bank, Annette Nkini, highlighted their commitment to the event, “At Stanbic, we support initiatives that drive sustainable development.

Twende Butiama aligns with our mission to uplift communities, promote environmental responsibility and ensure access to critical health services.”