Botswana Cycling Association (BCA) plans to leverage on its latest support under the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Solidarity Programme to attract more young people to the sport of cycling.
Under the programme, the UCI has approved support for the BCA to develop BMX cycling sport in the country. BMX racing, which is an intense on the edge of your seat sport, is one of the most popular cycling disciplines and is already an Olympic sport.
BCA spokesperson Leutlwetse Kgosidialwa clarified that the UCI support was awarded on a needs level basis following the association’s successful application last year. UCI assesses each federation according to its category and identified development needs. Under the UCI Solidarity programme support, BCA will be granted online coaching and Mechanics courses, 10 entry level BMX bikes and BMX development.
The BCA had applied under several categories, namely, athlete development, women in cycling, equipment, special projects and education. However, they were successful in the equipment and education categories.
“BMX development will play a crucial role in athlete development, particularly at grassroots level. It is highly attractive to younger athletes and allows talent to be identified and nurtured from an early age.”
“BCA has been working towards introducing BMX as a fourth discipline alongside Road Race, Individual Time Trial and Mountain Biking. For many years, these three disciplines have been the foundation of cycling in Botswana.”
“This is a new discipline that we believe will gain traction quickly and bring renewed excitement to the cycling community, we plan to use this opportunity to grow the sport of cycling by bringing new participants to the sport, particularly young ones,” the BCA spokesperson explained.
In order to gain traction faster and reach out to as many youths as possible, BCA intends to tap into the already existing BMX racing culture in the country. The association has already ‘identified some individuals who have been doing BMX before it became a discipline under BCA’ and are engaged in meetings with them “to form clubs and become affiliated under BCA.”
Furthermore, he noted, the education support will fund Level 1 coaching and mechanics courses. Coaching education is a cornerstone of sustainable development. These courses will equip BCA local coaches with the necessary skills and knowledge to improve performance across all disciplines.
He emphasised that, “Botswana’s participation at the African Youth Games in Angola and the African Road Championships in Kenya showed the importance of technical preparation. To compete effectively at that level, athletes must be supported by well-trained coaches. This programme will help bridge that gap. BCA previously received 20 training slots per course and expects similar numbers. Clubs will be invited to apply once final allocations are confirmed. Women and youth will be prioritised.”
Kgosidialwa said the association will ensure the initiative continues beyond the initial support, stating that the association will plan strategically for the integration of this support and continuously monitor and evaluate its impact to ensure long term continuity and growth.
