Date: 18/12/2018
A youth group in Vatuwaqa, Suva has initiated drives to revive the sport of cycling in the country. Assisted by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and other cycling enthusiasts the group on Tuesday (18/12) officially launched their bicycle repair and service centre at Nokonoko Road in Laucala.
Known as the Burning Rock Tri Cycling Club, the group which is made up of youths from the Nanuku areas have also commenced sales of refurbished bicycles brought in from the United States of America.
Ministry of Youth and Sports, Senior Coordinator Sports Aseri Tabuawaiwai said the group registered themselves under the youth development category with plans to develop the sport to another level.
“Cycling in general is a rare sight nowadays in our country and the initiative by the Burning Rock Tri Cycling Club is welcomed by the Ministry as it is a rather fun form of physical exercise,” Mr Tabuawaiwai said.
“The group with its five years strategic plans will surely enhance cycling in the country and one of the main agenda is to popularise the sport once again and enable participation in local and regional meets.” he adds “There are benefits of cycling like increased cardiovascular fitness, increased muscle strength and flexibility, improved joint mobility and decreased stress levels and we should seriously consider taking up cycling to improve our physical wellbeing.”
Elaborating further Mr Tabuawaiwai said the Ministry assisted youth through funding of the shipping of the container of bicycles and provided advice and moral support for the youth group.
Group vice president and bicycle mechanic Eroni Takape said that they have been working on the project for two and a half years and are glad that they have got off the ground with the help of friends.
“We finally got everything into perspective in February of this year and I especially would like to acknowledge the generous assistance of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ms Ruth Rosas of the American Peace Corp, Mr Umendra Kumar of Fortech Construction for providing us the space here at Nokonoko and the group members for their support and perseverance,” he said.