His Royal Majesty Philip Olarker Rauni III handing over the prize to the female winner of the 15 km women bicycle race at Bar Okoro
By Prisca Oroma
Thousands graced the grand finale of the MTN Uganda- Alur Kingdom bicycle race at bar Okoro on Saturday.
The bicycle race under the theme riding to end teenage pregnancy in Alur land, attracted participants from Pakwach, Nebbi, and Zombo.
The winner of the 30km Male race hailed from Zombo and was awarded 1.5 million shillings while the female winner Ayikoru Charity from Nebbi received 1.5 million shillings and a brand new bicycle.
The second and third runner-up received 700,000 and 300,000 shillings respectively.
His Royal Majesty Philip Olarker Rauni III during the ceremony called on parents to protected their girls and ensure that they go to school.
He said that the kingdom is working hard to ensure that early child marriage in the kingdom comes to and end through getting rid of the cultural practices that fuel teenage pregnancies.
The King also urged parents to give their children second chance and ensure that they are taken back to school after delivery.
He appreciated MTN Uganda and other partners like Plan International and Actionaid among others for the support they are giving the kingdom in a bid to fight early and teenage pregnancy and also supporting the women in fighting for their rights.
Meanwhile Phillip Odio the MTN Regional marketing Manager said that the bicycle race is one of the buildup events towards the coronation and next will be Kopu pa Ubimo which start next month
He added that they will also be supporting three health centers in greater Nebbi, the health facilities include Alwi, Pawong and Zeu health centers.
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