BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
The second edition of the Pedal-2-Wellness event which was hosted by Cimas Health Group through its wellness division iGO last Saturday, lived to up its billing as the Borrowdale Office Park was a hive of activity with hundreds of cyclists participating in the event.
The event which had elite, social and children cyclists, was meant to promote cardio fitness and raise awareness of drug and substance abuse within the community.
Head iGO, Dr Willmore Kapuyanyika, was equally ecstatic as the event went as planned.
“It’s a special Saturday as Cimas Health Group through its wellness division iGO, is hosting the second edition of Pedal-2-Wellness event meant to promote cardio fitness and raises awareness of drug and substance abuse within our community.
“Open to elite and social cyclists including children, the event is being held under the theme, “Pedal against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking”.
“iGo is Cimas Health Group’s wellness division that provides access to a range of wellness services and resources.
“It serves as a pathway to holistic health, offering Cimas members the tools and support they need to enhance their eight aspects of wellness, namely, Emotional, Environmental, Financial, Intellectual, Occupational, Spiritual, Social and Physical,” said Dr Kapuyanyika.
He added: “at Cimas Health Group, our purpose is to inspire healthier communities by providing global standard health and wellness solutions.
“Pedal-2-Wellness aligns perfectly with this purpose as it promotes preventive healthcare through physical activity.
“It reflects our desire of promoting a healthier lifestyle, fostering community engagement and providing support and education to improve the quality of life for everyone.
“Like what I have earlier said, at Cimas, we are committed to empowering our members to lead healthy and fulfilling lives,” added Dr Kapuyanyika.
The event had participants under the age of 13, who cycled for 4.5km, those over 13 did 22.5km and the elite cyclists who did 45km.
iGo Wellness Coach, Godknows Muperekedzwa said taking time off busy schedule is an important way of managing your wellbeing.
“It’s a sign of ubuntu where the community is coming together for a social cause thus spreading a message against drug and substance use and illicit trafficking as well as extending a helping hand to those in need at Chikurubi Psychiatric Unit.
“This also resonate with our value of togetherness. It takes the whole village to raise up a child and together we make a difference, sustainability of interventions.
“We are the first medical aid to provide cover for mental health, created synergies with key service providers to improve the quality of care for our members, (Borrowdale Halfway Houses; Friendship Bench).
“Provision of group and personalised mental health interventions through our iGo department.
“A network of value partners as a way of not only incentivising to reinforce a positive behaviour but to ensure accessibility and affordability of these crucial services,” added Muperekedzwa.
One elite cyclist said participating in the Pedal-2-Wellness event and completing the 45km race was an exhilarating and rewarding experience as the journey tested physical endurance, mental strength and determination, as they were pushed to the limits while cycling through scenic routes.
“The atmosphere was filled with camaraderie, as fellow cyclists encouraged one another along the way.
“Crossing the finish line after such a long distance brought a deep sense of accomplishment and knowing it was all for promoting wellness made it even more fulfilling.”
