In the summer of 2024, ANZA Cycling Club made a significant impact by donating cycling kits, helmets, shoes and equipment to the Masaka Cycling Club (MCC) in Uganda. This act of kindness not only transformed the lives of young cyclists in Masaka, but also sent a powerful message of support for African sport.
It all started when ANZA Cycling discovered the difference MCC was making in African sports. During a bike pack tour in Kyrgyzstan, ANZA committee member Peter met Australian ultra-endurance rider ‘MTB Eric,’ who shared stories around the campfire about how he and fellow rider Ross Burrage, through the Cotton-On Foundation, were supporting Masaka CC.
In 2015, Miiro Michael, a social worker and cycling enthusiast from Masaka, noticed young boys racing bicycles used for chores. He formed Masaka CC to harness local talent and engage youth in community work. Despite being a wheelchair user, Michael’s passion for cycling drove him to create the club, which now includes many girls and boys.
Four years later, Miiro met Ross Burrage, the club’s ambassador and main fundraiser. Ross helped build a clubhouse filled with donated equipment which attracted young competitors including Florence Nakaggwa, 17, who was initially spotted while she was gathering charcoal. Miiro encouraged her to race and in 2019 Florence became the first woman to join MCC and was soon appointed captain.
Immediate impact
Peter discovered how Florence had encouraged nine more girls to join MCC, and how she strove to motivate others by sharing her journey and emphasising hard work and having dreams.
Inspired by such a powerful story, ANZA Cycling was inspired to help. In August 2023, Peter and a group of Kyrgyzstan cycling tourists watched 21 year-old Florence become the first Ugandan female to compete in the UCI World Champs in Glasgow, Scotland as their tour concluded.
“For many, it was their first time receiving professional-grade gear”
Understanding the profound impact that proper equipment could have on Florence and MCC, ANZA initiated a campaign to collect and donate cycling kit and gear. The response was overwhelming and a first shipment was sent to Uganda in April 2024. To manage the huge amount of supplies, ANZA decided to ship only ANZA kits, helmets, shoes, crank sets, and seats to Masaka. The non-ANZA kit found a home in the Philippines, thanks to Singapore-based cyclist Carmela Pearson, who organised distribution to former national cycling coach Joselito Santos, prioritising kids, senior citizens, and promising young cyclists.
When the shipment arrived at Masaka Cycling Club, the excitement was palpable. The sight of new helmets, pristine cycling kits, and top-notch equipment filled the youngsters with joy. For many, it was their first time receiving professional-grade gear, and the impact was immediate.
ANZA Cycling’s investment in MCC exemplifies the power of global collaboration in nurturing sports talent in Africa. By providing local athletes with essential gear, we’re collaborating to foster health, teamwork, and resilience in areas less fortunate than our own. This initiative not only empowers ambitious young athletes in Uganda but also highlights the broader impact that sports can have in building communities and inspiring future generations.
