The inaugural annual bike marathon - the Tour de Soweto, held this weekend, was boosted by the support of leading IT distributor Axiz.
Through its Qhubeka programme and in association with Acer, Axiz sponsored 1 000 helmets and 30 BMX bicycles.
Alex Morse, Acer product manager at Axiz, says: "The aim of our support was to encourage safe cycling and to also introduce the Sowetan community to the joys of cycling as a sport rather than just a transport or delivery mechanism."
Qhubeka is an Nguni or Zulu word that means "to move forward", which makes Axiz's involvement in Tour de Soweto all the more exciting. Founded by Axiz in 2005, Qhubeka is section 21 non-profit organisation and is one way in which Axiz can do something positive to alleviate wide-spread impoverishment in rural areas.
Aldean Prior, marketing manager at Axiz, says the programme is geared to assist communities, which face extreme poverty and the lack of the most basic services such as food, clothing, transport and education.
The newly constructed BMX track at the Soweto Elangeni Events Arena will receive 30 BMX bicycles donated by Axiz and Acer for use by the local Sowetan community. The handover of these bicycles took place at the Tour de Soweto held on Sunday, 4 March 2007.
In addition to the bicycles, Acer provided a cash donation to Qhubeka, which will be used for cycling initiatives and other community projects in Soweto.
"Acer works closely with its distributors and we believe that the Qhubeka project is not only inspirational, but also a very worthwhile cause. The Tour de Soweto presented us with a great opportunity and we were very happy to be associated with such a strong community initiative," says Ian Rayner, channel marketing manager, Acer.
In keeping with its mission to unite technology with intelligence, Axiz supplied two Acer notebooks and two Lexmark printers, which were used by the event organisers for registration and the issuing of the certificates at the end of the races.
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Axiz provides technology intelligence and innovative thinking to its business partners when they buy the quality products Axiz provides from market leaders HP, Microsoft, Intel, Kingston, LG, Lexmark, Asus, Acer and Genius, as well as its own brand Axiz. It also carries a wide range of leading brand components and solutions. Axiz dynamically lives the Five Capitals Model of Sustainability and is a pioneer, innovator and leader in its sector through the implementation of its Ledibogo Programme, its Business Partner Development Programme, as well as other initiatives such as founding and supporting Inqolobane (the Employee Ownership Association Africa, www.eoaa.co.za) and Qhubeka (the Motive Power Movement, www.qhubeka.co.za). More information is available at www.axiz.com.
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Acer ranks among the world's top five branded PC vendors, designing and marketing easy, dependable IT solutions that empower people to reach their goals and enhance their lives. In 2000, Acer spun-off its manufacturing operation to focus on globally marketing its brand-name products: desktop and mobile PCs, servers and storage, displays, peripherals, and e-business solutions for business, government, education, and home users. Established in 1976, Acer Inc employs 5 600 people supporting dealers and distributors in more than 100 countries. Estimated revenues for 2004 were US$6.8 billion. Please visit www.acer.com.
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