The United Nations General Assembly declared June 3 as World Bicycle Day in April 2018. The celebration of this day was marked by the holding of several bicycle races, including a tricycle race for 2 rounds of stadiums, a women’s race of 5 rounds and finally a race for boys over 10 laps. Large audiences, particularly Little Queen fans, were mobilized across the circuit and at the finish line level, helping to create a competitive atmosphere.
On this occasion, the Indian Ambassador to Niger, HE Prem Kumar Nair reminded that World Bicycle Day is celebrated on June 3 every year. Today it recognizes the uniqueness, longevity and versatility of the bicycle, which has been in use for two centuries, and the fact that it is a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and environmentally friendly means of sustainable transportation, he explained.
The Indian Ambassador also said that cycling is seen as a way to improve physical and mental health and well-being. The Indian Embassy Niamey is delighted to partner with the Niger Cycling Federation to organize this event celebrating World Cycling Day, as part of the 75th anniversary of India’s independence, he said.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Youth and Sports Mr. Sekou Doro Amadou commended the efforts of the Indian Ambassador to Niger and members of the cycling federation. I encourage you to continue in the same direction; “We will continue to work together to make cycling shine in Niger,” he said.
As for the President of the Cycling Federation of Nigeria, he thanked the Indian Ambassador to Niger for agreeing to finance and sponsor this activity. Mr. Zakari Djibo also thanked the Minister of Youth and Sports and his technical staff who had enlivened this activity with their presence. He gave an example, bicycle development has several advantages. First the interest in sports that allow you to become a professional and then the health benefits. Exercise, as you know, can significantly improve health and prevent non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular problems, diabetes and many other cancers, he explained.
When in cities, bicycles are used as a means of transportation, because there are less traffic and parking problems, and they are of universal importance to the planet, to mankind. The bicycle has ecological importance, is an inexpensive means of transportation but does not emit greenhouse gases so that it does not pollute the atmosphere, he said.
It should be noted that the first three in each category, a tricycle, a boy and a girl were rewarded. In the rickshaw distance of two km, Mazou Ali took first place with a time of 4 minutes 10 seconds, second Nazirou Mounkaila with 4m 16 seconds, and third Ali Zakari with a time of 6 minutes 7 seconds. Among the boys who covered the 10km distance: first Issifou Sani with a time of 11 minutes 6 seconds; Issifou Mahamadou second with 11 minutes 8 seconds and Ibrahim Sani third 12 minutes 3 seconds. And finally on the women’s side with a distance of 5 km, the first place is occupied by Raynatou Hamadou Morou with 7 minutes 15 seconds, second Nana Mariama Yacouba 7 minutes 21 seconds and Saratou Ibrahim third with 7 minutes 34 seconds.
Abdou regards Kabirou Mouha (Coach)
