Cyclist Nzaro Bags Ksh500,000 Tujiamini Gold Award in Coast Region
By Harrison Kivisu
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
Leon Nzaro, 22, a cyclist from Mariakani of Kilifi County, has been awarded the prestigious Tujiamini Gold Award in the Coast region.
Marking the penultimate Gold Award of the SportPesa Tujiamini Initiative 2024, Nzaro received Ksh500,000 for vital resources that he says will go a long way in advancing his budding cycling career.
Keen on improving his rankings by participating in both national and international events in 2025, the accomplishment not only recognizes Nzaro’s hard work and perseverance in the sport, but also opens doors to new growth opportunities and success in the competitive world of cycling.
“Winning the Tujiamini Gold Award is the best feeling ever and definitely a game-changer for me.
For years, I’ve been dedicated to cycling, despite the challenges of limited access to proper equipment and training. This award will enable me to ultimately position myself for even greater success. I’m grateful for this opportunity and excited at what lies ahead.”
The Tujiamini Gold Award is designed to reward and support up-and-coming athletes in the grassroots to pursue their talents to the highest level possible.
The award represents a significant turning point for Nzaro whose career growth and talent development is limited by lack of resources despite showing great promise much like many other budding talents in the country.
According to Nzaro’s coach, Abdulaziz Mubarak, the professional cycling scene is highly competitive and demands a training regime to match thus the availability of adequate equipment is the ultimate game changer.
Nzaro intends to acquire a new high-performance bike among other hi-tech equipment critical in elevating his performance at a more competitive level.
“This award by Tujiamini will enable Nzaro invest in better and more reliable equipment especially given that competitive cycling is becoming more scientific by the day.
These tools are, therefore, very necessary to allow for precise self-assessment based on international performance metrics,” Mubarak noted.
SportPesa partnerships nanager Willis Ojwang’ expressed delight at Nzaro’s victory even as he highlighted the need for more support towards nurturing talent in the country.
“It is truly encouraging to see the positive impact of the Tujiamini initiative, as demonstrated by Nzaro’s victory, resonating not only with him but also with the broader community. The potential for even greater impact exists if other stakeholders in the sports and talent ecosystem can collaborate to support as many young athletes as possible,” he said.
Nzaro who has demonstrated exceptional talent and commitment in local races, making him a rising star in the region’s cycling scene is currently preparing for the 15th edition of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge set for February next year.
Probably, a chance at fate, Nzaro was more inclined towards football, but pursued cycling after discovering its potential.
He went ahead and participated in the Kenya Gravel National Championships in August this year where he came second marking one of his major career highlights.
He added: “I have been cycling since I was a child but I had no interest in competitive cycling. However, things changed after COVID when upon getting a bicycle, I realized that it provided an ideal avenue for me to network and ultimately, get involved in opportunities.”
As Nzaro prepares for the next phase of his journey, his story serves as a beacon of hope for many young athletes who face similar challenges.
The Tujiamini Gold award has not only validated his potential, but also ignited his drive to represent his community and country at the national and international level.
