FXTM Academy, a leading financial markets education company, orchestrated a large-scale charity cycling event across several major Nigerian cities, including Lagos, Port Harcourt, Ilorin, Ibadan, and Abeokuta. The event attracted 200 participants and was structured around six distinct categories: professional male, professional female, junior male, junior female, veteran male, and veteran female. This segmentation allowed for tailored competition and recognition across varying skill levels and age groups, promoting inclusivity and encouraging broader participation within the cycling community. The event was not just about athletic prowess but also about fostering community engagement and supporting charitable causes.
The race itself was meticulously organized around a 2.8km circuit, with varying lap requirements depending on the category. Junior cyclists navigated the circuit 10 times, veteran cyclists completed 14 laps, and the professional athletes undertook a more demanding 20 laps. This tiered approach ensured a challenging yet appropriate race distance for each participant group. The structure also allowed spectators to appreciate the varying strategies and endurance levels on display throughout the event, adding to the excitement and overall spectator experience.
The competitive spirit was further fueled by a substantial prize structure. In the highly contested professional categories, winners received generous cash prizes. The top performer secured N800,000, followed by N500,000 for second place, N300,000 for third, and N200,000 for fourth. Even those placing between 5th and 15th were rewarded with N50,000 each, recognizing their commitment and participation. This broad distribution of prize money not only encouraged competitive performance among the top contenders but also rewarded perseverance and effort across a wider range of participants.
The junior and veteran categories also boasted attractive prize pools. Junior male and female winners received N200,000, N100,000, and N50,000 respectively for the top three positions. This provided young aspiring cyclists with valuable motivation and recognition for their dedication to the sport. Veteran cyclists, demonstrating enduring passion and fitness, competed for prizes of N500,000, N300,000, and N200,000, showcasing the enduring appeal of cycling across age groups. The significant prize money across all categories underscored FXTM Academy’s commitment to supporting and developing cycling talent in Nigeria.
Beyond the competitive aspect, the event resonated strongly with the community. Both participants and spectators praised FXTM Academy for its initiative in promoting community development, fostering healthy lifestyles, and leveraging the power of sport to bring people together. The event served as a platform to encourage physical activity, promote camaraderie among participants, and generate positive social impact. This focus on community engagement further strengthens FXTM Academy’s image as a socially responsible organization committed to the well-being of the communities it serves.
The driving force behind this initiative was articulated by Kelechi Ehibudu, FXTM Academy’s Country Representative. Ehibudu highlighted the event’s core values, emphasizing perseverance, discipline, endurance, and continuous improvement, not just in cycling but as essential life skills. He underscored the event’s alignment with FXTM Academy’s broader commitment to community development and social impact through sports, reinforcing the organization’s dedication to empowering individuals and fostering positive societal change. This commitment extends beyond the realm of financial education to encompass holistic personal development, showcasing FXTM Academy’s belief in the transformative power of sport. The event also served as a reminder of FXTM Academy’s overarching mission to empower individuals with the skills needed to succeed, not only in financial markets but also in life.
