A Bulawayo woman is appealing for financial assistance for her 13-year-old son to travel to France for the BMX World Championships in July.
Prince Sithole, a form one learner at Green Gables High School in Khami on the outskirts of the city, is one of the three learners from Bulawayo who qualified to represent Zimbabwe in the championships to be held in Nantes, France from July 23 to 31.
The other Bulawayo learners are Sofia Colladon and Declan Maguire while the nine are from other parts of the country.
Prince’s mother, Thembelihle Ndlovu of Nketa 6 suburb, who earns a living by selling second-hand clothes, told CITE she has to raise at least US$1, 638 for two air tickets for her and Prince to fly to France from Johannesburg, South Africa.
She said the amount does not include accommodation which would cost them US$96 per night for both of them, and food estimated to cost them US$20 per day, the cheapest.
Ndlovu said they would need ZAR1, 200 for them to travel by bus from Bulawayo to South Africa.
“It is with great pleasure that this Association confirms that Prince Sithole has been selected to represent Zimbabwe for the forthcoming BMX RACING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS to be held in Nantes France during the period of 23rd July – 31st July 2022,” the National BMX Association of Zimbabwe president, Lana Shelton, in a letter to Ndlovu, also seen by CITE.
“We stress that the World Championships is a serious event and we need you the parents and Prince to be 100% committed to the training program with your respective coaches for the Championship.”
Ndlovu said she was yet to raise the required money hence her appeal for assistance.
“So far I have not raised any money, I just received the [notification] letter two days ago,” she told CITE.
“I am self-employed. I sell second-hand clothing at Highlanders Club. The market is flooded and I am even struggling to pay his fees.
“The competition is from 23rd of July to 31st and must arrive at least on the 20th in France.”
She appealed to Zimbabweans to come to her rescue and help her son realise his dreams.
“I am kindly pleading for assistance for my 13year old boy child,” she pleaded.
“He has been practising and working hard for such a moment, but needs your support to meet air tickets and accommodation costs. Your humble assistance will go a long way in assisting him to represent Zimbabwe and showcase his potential.”
She said those who would want to assist should contact her on 0772986109.
