Team MTN-Qhubeka now powered by Samsung

This sponsorship, part of the Consumer Electronic brand's key focus on building Africa, will not only see Samsung Mobile supporting the MTN-Qhubeka Pro Continental cycling team financially, but through this partnership, a percentage of Samsung GALAXY smartphones and tablets sales will be used to continue to fuel the Qhubeka World Bicycle Relief Programme.

Taking African built talent to the global stage

"We are very proud to be able to sponsor Team MTN-Qhubeka, as this is truly the first African cycling team which will be taking part in local and international events, with the dream of participating in the Tour de France in 2014," says Craige Fleischer, director of mobile communications at Samsung South Africa. "This is an incredible opportunity for Samsung Mobile to support our vision of Built for Africa, as Team MTN-Qhubeka is not only unifying and developing riders across the African continent, but providing the platform to showcase Africa's talent on a global stage."

"Additionally, through this sponsorship we also get to participate in a meaningful programme that is transforming people's lives," adds Fleischer. "Through Qhubeka, the sponsorship has really focused on core principles key to Samsung; namely sustainability, youth empowerment, transforming education and healthcare - the work Qhubeka does with giving bicycles to children in return for work done to improve their environment - truly delivers real hope for children and communities alike - which is an extension of our global Hope for Children initiative."

Driving socio-economic up-liftment

The benefits that accrue to such communities, through the Qhubeka project, not only includes reducing the time it takes for children to walk to school, but it also allows the children to get to school on time without exhaustion or fatigue - which aids concentration levels and improves the learning experience. Additionally, encouraging the sport of cycling into these communities, and providing these children with bikes, Qhubeka is inspiring potential new athletes. Furthermore, through providing these communities with a means of transport, Qhubeka aids in the access to services such as education and skills development, healthcare and community services that may have been previously lacking.

"Through Qhubeka and World Bicycle Relief, bicycles are being provided across Africa whilst Team MTN-Qhubeka is developing African sporting icons as its riders take on the greatest cycling races in the World," adds Doug Ryder, team principal at MTN-Qhubeka Cycling. "MTN-Qhubeka is making history as Africa's first-ever UCI registered Pro Continental Team and in 2013, Team MTN-Qhubeka will comprise 60% to 70% riders from South Africa and the African continent. Fuelled by passion, the team aims to prove that Africa's riders are capable of competing and achieving at the highest levels of racing in the world - and with the backing of the likes of MTN and now, Powered by Samsung - we are certainly destined to do so."

The entire pro-continental and local team have been kitted out with the latest Samsung mobile products, namely; the Samsung GALAXY Tab 2 and the Samsung GALAXY S III.

"As an innovator and a company committed to growing Africa and realising the continent's potential through technology and consumer electronics, Samsung is proud to sponsor Team MTN-Qhubeka as this partnership is sure to mobilise more people on the African continent - creating opportunity, independence and champions - everything our brand stands for," concludes Fleischer.