Shinyanga Regional Commissioner lauds CRDB Cycling Rally

Christina issued her statement after this year's edition of the race, termed 'Shinyanga CRDB Cycling Rally', last weekend.

The Regional Commissioner disclosed the institution not only provides opportunities for people, who participate in the showdown, to protect their health but also awards winners cash prizes that motivate them and others to continue participating in the race.

With the race having been successfully held for four years, the Regional Commissioner stated if research is done today, she will not be surprised to find out the region leads in having a large number of people with bicycles contributed by the CRDB Bank.

Christina revealed: "This race has provided an opportunity to promote our region as well as open up economic opportunities for citizens and businesses. As the years go by, the popularity of this race continues to grow."

"While the CRDB Bank is opening the way, I am asking other companies to look at how they can open opportunities in our region, this will help to improve the lives of the people," Christina said.

She disclosed if the race continues and attracts participants from all over the country and their counterparts from outside the country, she believes such a move will promote Shinyanga well and provide opportunities for young people to participate in such international competitions that will increase their income.

The race was preceded by social activities, including blood donation, whereby more than 500 bottles of safe blood were collected for needy patients who are treated in hospitals and health centers in the region and throughout the country.

Jumanne Wagana, CRDB Bank Manager in the Western Zone, said that the race is held every year on the anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, who loved everyone to be economically independent by committing himself/herself to work according to the opportunities available in the area he/she is in.

Wagana stated that the CRDB Bank is a major player in sports in the country due to the strong belief that sports boost cooperation, solidarity, and bring people together, and make it easy to develop societies.

"After improving health, the important thing is to have a strong economy. CRDB Bank has more than 260 branches across the country that people can use to take advantage of the opportunities they have... a healthy person already has the starting capital to achieve his goal," CRDB Bank Manager noted.

"I ask that we continue to show up at various sports that are held in our areas because they help a lot to improve health," Wagana said.

Apart from the cycling race, CRDB Bank organizes and manages an international race- known as CRDB Bank Marathon- while also sponsoring several others including Zanzibar football team 'Zanzibar Heroes' jerseys, 'Simba Day' festival done by Simba SC, and Yanga's festival, popularly known as 'Wiki ya Mwananchi'.

The institution moreover sponsors the NBC Premier League side, Namungo FC of Lindi, and the CRDB Bank Canoe Race held at Kizimkazi in Zanzibar.

In facilitating economic activities, CRDB Bank has, from April last year to present, presented more than 6bn/- in loans to small-scale miners in Shinyanga.

About 65.3 bn/- has also been directed to agriculture, especially rice and cotton farming, thus enabling the purchase of agricultural tools, and inputs as well as boosting the markets for crops harvested every year.

Through the 'Sit and Learn' project implemented by the bank throughout the country, it has handed over 250 desks to two primary schools and one secondary school to improve the learning environment.

Wagana revealed: "Our bank also has the 'Imbeju' program that provides enabling capital for young people and women. This opportunity is for all people including the residents of Shinyanga and its suburbs."

"I welcome young people with creative ideas and projects as well as women who are in groups involved in entrepreneurship issues, we have opportunities for you," he stressed.