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Marriott Bonvoy, the highly awarded travel programme from Marriott International (www.Marriott.com), has unveiled enticing summer offers for hotel stays and dining experiences across the Middle East&#038;Africa, including Egypt. The promotions give local residents and travellers a chance to unwind this summer with offers on lunch, brunch and dinner with family and friends as well as deals on the perfect staycation, couples escape or family getaway at incredible hotels and resorts across the region.

“We know that this summer residents and travellers will be looking to make up for lost time with friends and family by taking a well-deserved break.,” said Neal Jones, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Europe, Middle East&#038;Africa, Marriott International. “Through our range of compelling Summer offers, we are delighted to be able to provide guests with opportunities to enjoy time with their loved ones and create memorable experiences at many of our amazing hotels, resorts and restaurants.”
Relax and Unwind at 15 participating Hotels and Resorts in the Egypt Summer Offer 
Marriott Bonvoy is inviting local residents, members and travellers to explore its portfolio of hotels and resorts in Egypt this summer, including beach destinations, family-friendly experiences and shopping and entertainment getaways. 
Members of Marriott’s all-encompassing travel programme, Marriott Bonvoy, can save 20% off room nights and enjoy complimentary breakfast while non-members get 15% off room rates across Egypt, until September 11th, 2021.
Guests can book the summer offer at 15 participating properties in the country across renowned brands such as St. Regis Hotels&#038;Resorts, Marriott Hotels, Le Méridien, Sheraton Hotels&#038;Resorts and more. Guests can choose from properties such as The St. Regis Cairo (https://bit.ly/3jowCnn),  The St. Regis Almasa (https://bit.ly/3qBSmxU), Marriott Mena House, Cairo (https://bit.ly/3AbRLr5), Le Méridien Dahab Resort (https://bit.ly/3y3XGwh) and Sheraton Miramar Resort El Gouna (https://bit.ly/3qydncu).
Those looking to travel outside of Egypt can also take advantage of the offer at over 250 participating properties across the Middle East&#038;Africa. Holiday destinations include Istanbul in Turkey and Dubai in UAE. For travel outside of Egypt, it is advised to check travel requirements before making a booking in any destination.
Marriott Bonvoy members will earn points on stays which can be redeemed for free nights, flights, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and much more.
For more information or to make a booking visit: https://bit.ly/3w4INs8
Delicious Savings across Egypt’s Finest Culinary Offerings
Marriott Bonvoy has launched special dining promotions this summer across its array of culinary offerings in Egypt. From award-winning restaurants, celebrity chef venues, stunning outdoor terraces, city hot spots and family restaurants, dine in guests across Egypt are spoilt for choice this summer.
Marriott Bonvoy members can enjoy an exclusive 20% off their total bill at participating restaurants including Gianni’s New York Italian Restaurant, La Zisa, El Mawardia, NOX and many more until August 31, 2021. All they have to do is show their Marriott Bonvoy™ membership, and mention &#39;Summer Cravings 21&#39; to claim the discount.
For more information on the summer dining offers, visit Marriott’s dedicated dining platform MORE CRAVINGS BY MARRIOTT BONVOY™ at https://bit.ly/3hkYMNB.
Non-members are encouraged to join Marriott Bonvoy free-of-charge to enjoy a wide range of exclusive benefits and offers available across Marriott Bonvoy’s properties globally. To sign up for free, visit www.Marriott.com/loyalty.mi.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Marriott International, Inc..
About Marriot International, Inc.: Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 7,600 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 133 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy™, its highly-awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website at www.Marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.Marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook (https://bit.ly/2Tl3MJU) and @MarriottIntl on Twitter (https://bit.ly/2TidpZR) and Instagram (https://bit.ly/3joq6Nu).

Marriott Bonvoy Portfolio Launches Exciting Summer Offers Across Egypt

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South Sudan is seeking to attract capital into strategic energy and infrastructure sectors, with a view to nation- and capacity-building; SSOP 2021 will take place at the Crown Hotel in Juba on June 29-30, in accordance with all COVID-19 regulations; The event is open to in-person delegates and the online livestream is available for free registration at: www.SSOP2021.com.

The fourth edition of the South Sudan Oil&#038;Power (SSOP) 2021 Conference kicks off today and will be officially launched by H.E. President Gen. Salva Kiir, as the nation leads an active investment campaign to drive capital into key energy and infrastructure sectors.
South Sudan is seeking to establish energy development as a catalyst for economic growth and sustainable development, stimulating diversification, skills development and job creation across both energy and non-energy industries.
On Monday, H.E. President Kiir met with H.E. Minister of Petroleum Puot Kang Chuol about recent, substantive progress made in the oil and gas sector last week. Representing a historic milestone, Sudd Petroleum Operating Company resumed production at Block 5A, as the last joint operating company to resume production after the civil war. The nation has also launched its first-ever oil licensing round featuring five blocks that invites experienced partners and operators to unlock South Sudan’s oil and gas acreage that remains 90% unexplored.  
Organized by Energy Capital&#038;Power with the endorsement of the Ministry of Petroleum, Ministry of Energy and Dams, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Investment, and Ministry of Labor, the two-day event is one of the first large-scale events to be held in-person on the African continent since the onset of COVID-19.  
This year, for the first time, SSOP 2021 will be structured in a hybrid format, with international speakers and delegates participating online alongside the local in-person event. The program reflects an industry-wide shift that saw a transition to webinars and other digital platforms last year in the absence of live events. Hybrid platforms offer an expanded and diversified attendee demographic, with SSOP 2021 streaming online for free to global participants. 
In conjunction with a relatively low rate of infection, unprecedented levels of collaboration among South Sudanese health authorities and ministerial bodies have enabled a safe return to live events, with a view to ensuring future investment and development within the country.
In cooperation with the Ministry of Health, South Sudan’s Ministry of Petroleum has been resolute its commitment to driving foreign direct investment into energy and infrastructure sectors, including oil and gas, power generation, road-building and technology. Under the theme, “Build the Nation: Capital raising and innovative financing to build critical energy and infrastructure projects,” SSOP 2021 serves to unite foreign investors and showcase local investment opportunities as a means of COVID-19 recovery.
Strict health and safety protocols adopted by the Government of South Sudan and executed by private sector partners have also expedited the country’s return to live events. For example, all in-person attendees of SSOP 2021 must present a negative COVID-19 test upon entry to the venue, with all locally-based guests receiving free-of-charge PCR tests from healthcare partner MEDBLUE Labs.
South Sudan – along with other African nations piloting in-person events in 2021 – are redefining the events industry by implementing new and innovative hybrid formats, fostering cross-sector cooperation and engaging with private operators to enforce health and safety guidelines. Also critical is the support and leadership of local governments in positioning business and networking events as part of the solution to rebuilding national economies.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&#038;Power.

SSOP 2021 Kicks Off in South Sudan, Leads Africa’s Return to In-Person Events

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Kowry Energy (www.KowryEnergy.com) is proud to have Rolls-Royce Power Systems, as an investor as it launches across Sub-Saharan Africa. The Berlin-based company will empower local, independent energy companies with decentralized energy systems to provide communities and local industries with reliable access to clean energy.

&#8220;The African market for decentralized energy supply offers great potential. The geographical conditions provide best opportunity to build a climate-friendly, local power supply for industrial and community customers that operates with minimum of fossil fuels. As a young company, Kowry Energy can adapt to the realities of the fast-growing African energy market.
Rolls-Royce as investor and industry partner provides Kowry Energy with a strong positioning in the market. The start-up can rely on our support and know-how in implementing their projects,&#8221; explains Power Systems CFO Louise Öfverström on the investment.
“We believe that solving the climate challenge facing our planet will only succeed with the inclusion of the 600 million people of Sub-Saharan Africa living without energy today. This requires innovative business-models that enable sustainable energy access with scale and speed. With a scale-based business model and Rolls-Royce Power Systems as our investor we are confident that Kowry Energy will achieve this,” explains founder Ndiarka Mbodji.
In cooperation with local independent power providers and operators, Kowry Energy will supply energy solutions using photovoltaic systems and battery storage for demand of up to 1MW. This minimizes the use of fossil fuels and makes optimal use of the climatic conditions in Africa. Kowry Energy supports its customers every step of the way; from project development&#038;design to sourcing the equipment and offers its customers fully integrated hybrid solutions.
“Africa is one of the most important growth markets and the demand for reliable, renewable and affordable energy will increase massively. That&#39;s where Kowry Energy comes in. The business model has convinced me,” says former British Africa Minister Lord Bellingham, who alongside Rolls-Royce Power Systems CFO Louise Öfverström, and German-African Business Association Chairman, Prof. Dr. Stefan Liebing, forms the Board of Kowry Energy.
“We are excited to be launching this year in Mali and Nigeria and to see our business model validated by a current projects pipeline of 17$millions and growing rapidly, and I look forward to welcoming more investors committed to sustainable energy access in Sub-Sahara Africa”, says Mbodji.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kowry Energy.
Global Contact: Larissa Middendorf Director &#8211; Corporate Affairs +49 (0) 176 63634655 larissa@kowryenergy.com www.KowryEnergy.com
Africa Media Contact: Lydia-Claire Halliday LCH Consultancy +254708000510 lydia@lchconsultancy.com
About Kowry Energy: Kowry Energy is a sustainability-driven energy service provider, offering tailor-made solutions to local independent energy companies, combined with appropriate financing solutions to strengthen local businesses and enable communities. Kowry Energy’s core value proposition is to scale energy access at pace with flexible and modular hybrid solutions and to provide data-centered solutions for further growth.

Kowry Energy: Company wins Rolls-Royce as investor and attracts former British Africa Minister Lord Bellingham to its Board

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The inaugural Rugby Africa Media and Photography Awards (https://bit.ly/2QsBoEu) is pleased to announce World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont as Chair of the jury.

World Rugby is the world governing body for the sport of rugby union (https://bit.ly/362MTql). World Rugby organises the Rugby World Cup (https://bit.ly/3dp9VvB) every four years, the sport&#39;s most recognised and most profitable competition. It also organises a number of other international rugby competitions, such as the World Rugby Sevens Series (https://bit.ly/3h4B1ul), the Rugby World Cup Sevens (https://bit.ly/3AcpLmX), the World Under 20 Championship (https://bit.ly/3jlkGCY), and the Pacific Nations Cup (https://bit.ly/2UIMsyR).
With applications to the prestigious awards running from May 17 to July 17, 2021, the competition is open to journalists and photographers who have remarkably captured the oval ball, green fields, and players in a display of rugby at its best. The winners will be announced on August 18, 2021, where two front-runners will have the opportunity to walk away with USD1,500 in prize money.
To apply for the competition entries can be submitted to:
 	Media Award: http://bit.ly/Rugbymen 	Photography Award: http://bit.ly/Rugbypen 
Beaumont will chair a jury comprising of high-ranking senior executives of companies active in Africa, current and past male and female rugby players, and male and female rugby referees.
Speaking about the designated chair, General Manager at Rugby Africa, Coralie van Den Berg said: “It’s a great honour that the Chairman of World Rugby, Sir Bill Beaumont, is leading the jury panel of the first Rugby Africa Media and Photography Awards. It shows World Rugby’s commitment to make the game truly global and to reach out to all rugby nations. It is also a strong signal that Africa is the next market of growth for rugby with its young and booming population eager for more African sports content.”
Dedicated to the sustainable global growth of the sport in Africa, Rugby Africa views the continent as a key region with huge potential for the future development of rugby. In 2002, there were only six countries with notable participation in rugby on the continent: Morocco, South Africa, Namibia, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, and Ivory Coast. Fast forward to 2018 and an increase by 84%, Rugby Africa, has 38 union members.
Growth in player registration in 2017 was 66% (excluding South Africa) against an overall global increase of 27%. Countries with the quickest growth in total number of players between 2016 and 2017 as identified were Nigeria, Mauritius, Madagascar, Namibia, and South Africa, a fact clearly illustrating the passion for rugby across Africa.
Out of 105 countries playing competitive rugby in the world, one-third are African nations.
As part of Rugby Africa’s work to grow the culture of sport across the continent, the criteria for the awards will be cognizant of submissions that value the promotion and progression of the game as we love it, throughout the continent.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.
Media Contact: Rugby@APO-opa.com

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont to chair the jury of the Rugby Africa Media and Photography Awards

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Alpecin-Fenix won their second stage of the Tour de France in succession, this time with Tim Merlier sprinting to victory on stage 3. Team Qhubeka NextHash (www.TeamQhubeka.com) had Max Walscheid in the mix, as he took 10th place on the line.

Stage 3 of the Tour de France was the first opportunity for the sprinters as the 182km stage to Pontivy included only two category 4 climbs along the route. Unlike many traditional sprint stages, which can be rather uneventful until the final kick, today proved chaotic with numerous crashes plaguing the peloton throughout the day.
Team Qhubeka NextHash were not unaffected as Nicholas Dlamini&#038;Sean Bennett came into trouble with 69km to go, both riders would dust themselves off and carry on though. Victor Campenaerts narrowly missed two pile up&#39;s inside of 10km to go and then, unfortunately, Simon Clarke went down at high speed with 3km to go.
There was yet another crash in the final sprint for the line, which Max Walscheid managed to avoid as he secured our first top-10 result of the Tour, crossing the line 10th.
All of our riders safely completed the stage and will be looking ahead to Tuesday&#39;s fourth stage from Redon to Fougeres.
Max Walscheid- Rider Once again, I hope everyone who went down is okay, I didn&#39;t speak to Simon yet. In the first case, I am happy that I didn&#39;t go down and I am also proud of our teamwork.
I am happy to finish in the top 10, which is something we can really build on. I think we showed good legs and if we keep progressing, more will be possible, but for today, I think we did a great job as a team.
Nicholas Dlamini With 60km to go and not really at a crucial point but with the roads getting smaller, teams were starting to organise themselves and as we were trying to negotiate our way to the front on one of the corners we had a bit of a fall.
Sean lost his wheel in one of the corners and I was just behind him and with the rain I couldn&#39;t really avoid it and then I just had ride straight into him. We&#39;re both okay, just slight bruises and then in the final we tried getting back but with the roads being small it was almost impossible for both of us to get back to the boys in front as most of the teams in front blocked the road.
The team rode amazingly today and Max finished top-10; it&#39;s a good start and something we can build on and the commitment from everyone was there so that really shows the Ubuntu spirit.
Tomorrow is a similar stage so we&#39;ll hope to be up there again and target a better result.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Team Qhubeka NextHash.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Rights-free video, audio and image content is available via the following link here (https://bit.ly/3jnsfZR).
Media Contact: Jean Smyth (Head of Communications) Email: jean@ryder.co.za Mobile: +27 63 470 1710 or +31 625 739 033
About Team Qhubeka NextHash: Team Qhubeka NextHash is a purpose-led, high-performance team, fighting to win on the world&#39;s biggest stage, to inspire hope and create opportunity. Founded in 2007, Team Qhubeka NextHash (formerly NTT Pro Cycling) became the first-ever African cycling team to gain a UCI WorldTour license, in 2016.
We achieved our first major win in 2013 when Gerald Ciolek won Milan-San Remo, one of the five Monuments of cycling. We have competed in six Tour de France’s and notched up 7 stage wins, with Mark Cavendish wearing the coveted Yellow Jersey at the 2016 Tour de France.
We are a multicultural, diverse team with bases in South Africa, the Netherlands and Italy. There are 19 nationalities represented across our World Tour and continental feeder team rosters. Our focus on developing African cycling has resulted in more than 55 riders from the African continent be given the opportunity to race on the world stage, since the team&#39;s inception.
We race to help people to move forward with bicycles through our relationship with Qhubeka Charity. Through our work with Qhubeka, we have contributed to the distribution of over 30 000 bicycles in communities in South Africa.
About Qhubeka: Qhubeka is a charity that moves people forward with bicycles. People earn bicycles through our programmes, improving their access to schools, clinics and jobs.
A bicycle is a tool that helps people to travel faster and further, and to carry more. In the face of extreme and persistent poverty, bicycles can change lives by helping to address socioeconomic challenges at the most basic level – helping people to get where they need to go. 
All images attached to the press release can be used with the respective image credit in combination to this release.

Max Walscheid sprints to 10th on another crash-marred stage of Le Tour

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The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (www.ITFC-idb.org) signed a 3-Year Framework Agreement for a cumulative amount of US$4.5 billion with the Government of Pakistan in order to provide financing for the import of essential commodities such as crude oil, refined petroleum products, LNG and urea.

Within the context of its trade integrated solutions approach, the Framework Agreement also covers ITFC’s support for trade related technical assistance projects in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, which will be selected jointly by both parties according to the national economic priorities and development plan of Pakistan.The Agreement will facilitate identification of other areas of cooperation at country and regional levels and to enhance and promote trade, trade capacities of relevant state authorities and financial institutions and trade cooperation in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

The signing took place virtually, where Mr. Omar Ayub Khan, Minister of Economic Affairs witnessed the signing ceremony between Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, CEO, ITFC and Mr. Noor Ahmed, Secretary, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The financing available through this facility will be utilized by Pakistan State Oil (PSO), Pak-Arab Refinery Ltd (PARCO) and Pakistan LNG Ltd (PLL) for import of crude oil, refined petroleum products and LNG during the years 2021-2023.

Referring to the agreement, Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, CEO, ITFC stated that this Framework Agreement reflects the importance of the longstanding cooperation between ITFC and the Government of Pakistan “ITFC is continuously working closely with its member countries to meet their requirements by providing integrated solutions that include financing and capacity building tools that allows for maximizing the development impact of ITFC interventions. We are delighted and we will continue to mobilize financial resources to support Pakistan in its endeavours to achieve its economic targets through the new Framework Agreement.”

Mr. Omar Ayub Khan, Minister for Economic Affairs, Islamic Republic of Pakistan thanked the ITFC for arranging this financing, which will help Pakistan in meeting its import requirements of oil and LNG and ease pressure on cash reserves of the country. The Minister deeply commended the role and endeavors of Engr. Hani Salem Sonbol, CEO, ITFC and his team for arranging this financing at a very challenging time. This Agreement will further strengthen partnership between Islamic Republic of Pakistan and ITFC.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).
Media Contact: Twitter: @ITFCCORP Facebook: @ITFCCORP LinkedIn: International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Tel: +966 12 646 8337 Fax: +966 12 637 1064 E-mail: ITFC@itfc-idb.org
About the International Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC): The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) is a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. It was established with the primary objective of advancing trade among OIC member countries, which would ultimately contribute to the overarching goal of improving socioeconomic conditions of the people across the world. Commencing operations in January 2008, ITFC has provided more than US$51 billion of financing to OIC member countries, making it the leading provider of trade solutions for these member countries’ needs. With a mission to become a catalyst for trade development for OIC member countries and beyond, the Corporation helps entities in member countries gain better access to trade finance and provides them with the necessary trade-related capacity building tools, which would enable them to successfully compete in the global market.

Government of Pakistan and International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) signed New Framework Agreement amounting to US$ 4.5 billion

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The Boston Celtics have named seven-year NBA (www.NBA.com) veteran Ime Udoka the franchise’s next head coach, making him the 18th head coach in the organization’s 75-year history. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“I would like to welcome Ime, Nia, Kez, and Massai to the Boston Celtics.  Among the many outstanding qualities that Ime brings to the table are his character, humility, and competitiveness.  He has a relentless work ethic and a vast array of experiences as a player and coach,” said Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens. “He’s a leader that is warm and demanding, and we are so excited that he has chosen to join us in pursuit of Banner 18.”

Udoka joins the Celtics franchise after spending the last nine NBA seasons as an assistant coach between San Antonio (2012-13 to 2018-19), Philadelphia (2019-20), and Brooklyn (2020-21). Teams that Udoka has served as an assistant coach on have qualified for the playoffs in all nine seasons, with one of those years resulting in an NBA championship (Spurs, 2014).

In addition to his coaching experience in the NBA, Udoka was also an assistant coach for Gregg Popovich and the USA Basketball Men’s National Team in 2018.

“It’s an honor to be a part of the historic Celtics franchise. Coaching this talented roster and working alongside Brad makes it an ideal situation,” said Udoka. “I’d like to thank Wyc, Steve, and Brad for entrusting me with this opportunity. I look forward to getting started right away.”

Udoka played 12 years of professional basketball, including seven seasons in the NBA from 2003-04 to 2010-11. He averaged 5.2 points on 41.7% shooting (35.6% 3-PT), 2.9 rebounds, 1.0 assist and 18.1 minutes in 316 career games with San Antonio, Portland, Sacramento, New York, and the Los Angeles Lakers. Udoka also represented Nigeria in international competition throughout his playing career, earning bronze medals in 2005 and 2011 at the African Championships.

“Ime stands out as a person of integrity, accomplishment, energy, and insight,” said Celtics Co-Owner and Governor Wyc Grousbeck. “He has worked with some of the best and is ready to take the next step forward. I look forward to having him as our head coach.”

“Ime’s passion for basketball and coaching is extraordinary,” said Celtics Co-Owner and Alternate Governor Steve Pagliuca. “He is respected by players and coaches throughout the league for his empathy, humility, and deep knowledge of the game. We are thrilled that he will be coming to Boston to lead our team.”

A native of Portland, OR, Udoka, 43, began his collegiate career at Utah State University Eastern (1995-97) before transferring to the University of San Francisco (1997-98) and finishing up at Portland State (1999-00).
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).
Media Contacts: Christian Megliola Boston Celtics 617-399-8456 cmegliola@celtics.com
Jeff Twiss Boston Celtics 617-854-8095 jtwiss@celtics.com
Heather Walker Boston Celtics 617-594-4453 hwalker@celtics.com
Brian Olive Boston Celtics 617-854-8094 bolive@celtics.com
Brandon Chinn Boston Celtics 617-399-8430 bchinn@celtics.com

Celtics name Ime Udoka 18th Head Coach in Franchise History

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Tokyo 2020 Olympic rugby sevens pools announced with less than a month to go; The 12 men’s and 12 women’s teams are in three pools of four teams; Reigning men’s gold and silver medalists Fiji and Great Britain will face hosts Japan; Women’s Olympic champions Australia to play USA, China and Japan; Rugby sevens set to thrill fans from 26-31 July at Tokyo Stadium.

The pools for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic rugby sevens competitions have been announced by World Rugby exactly one month ahead of the men’s final at Tokyo Stadium.
The 12 men’s and 12 women’s teams have been allocated to three pools of four teams, according to rankings based upon performances in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and other World Rugby sanctioned tournaments over the past two years.
View Pools >> https://bit.ly/35TBwku 
There are some mouth-watering encounters for fans around the globe to look forward to as rugby sevens makes its second appearance at the Olympic Games following an unforgettable debut in Rio.
Men’s competition
The men’s competition sees three of the top four placed teams from the Rio 2016 Olympic Games together in Pool B as reigning Olympic champions Fiji will face silver medalists Great Britain and hosts Japan, who finished a very creditable fourth in Rio, along with Olympic debutants Canada who claimed bronze at the last HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series event, which took place in Vancouver last year.
Pool A sees a renewal of the mouth-watering antipodean rivalry between current Rugby World Cup Sevens and World Series champions New Zealand and Australia, who met in the final of the last Series event in Vancouver, with the All Blacks Sevens winning a tightly contested match 17-14. Joining them in Pool A are Argentina, who finished sixth in Rio, alongside Olympic debutants the Republic of Korea who qualified for Tokyo by winning the Asian qualification tournament with an extra-time ‘golden point’ try to overcome Hong Kong.
South Africa, bronze medalists in Rio, and USA are in Pool C having both achieved direct Olympic qualification by finishing in the top four of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2019, where the USA Eagles finished runners-up after reaching the medal podium in seven of the 10 Series rounds. Joining them are Kenya, who qualified courtesy of their first Rugby Africa men&#39;s sevens title since 2015, and Olympic debutants Ireland, who secured the final spot thanks to a thrilling 28-19 victory over France in the World Rugby Sevens Repechage in Monaco earlier this month.
Women’s competition
The women’s competition is equally fascinating with Pool C seeing hosts Japan grouped with Rio 2016 Olympic champions Australia alongside a powerful USA team, who qualified directly for Tokyo after finishing runners-up in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2019, reaching the medal podium in five of the six rounds. The pool is completed by Olympic debutants China, who secured their place in Tokyo with an emphatic 33-0 victory over Hong Kong in the Asian qualifier final.
Pool B is the only pool without an Olympic debutant as Rio 2016 bronze medallists Canada are joined by France, Fiji and Brazil. France were in fine form as they swept all before them to qualify for Tokyo via the World Rugby Sevens Repechage in Monaco earlier this month. Brazil qualified for Tokyo thanks to a 28-15 victory over Colombia in the South American qualifier, while Rio 2016 quarter-finalists Fiji overcame Papua New Guinea to qualify from Oceania.
In Pool A, current Rugby World Cup Sevens and World Series title holders New Zealand will face the Russian Olympic Committee team, Great Britain and Kenya. New Zealand beat both Kenya and Great Britain on the way to claiming the silver medal at Rio 2016, while Russia ended the Black Fern’s record-equalling 37-match winning run on the Series with a 17-17 draw in Kitakyushu in April 2019. The Russian team secured their Olympic debut via this month’s Repechage.
The top four placed teams in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2019 qualified directly for Tokyo while Japan were awarded their place as host nation. The remaining seven teams qualified via regional tournaments and the World Rugby Sevens Repechage in Monaco.
View Olympic Qualification Graphic >> https://bit.ly/35URj2f 
Several teams have already announced their squads, including Canada, Japan and Great Britain’s men’s and women’s teams, and USA women.
View Men’s Olympic Squad News >> https://bit.ly/3xZPEof
View Women’s Olympic Squad News >> https://bit.ly/2UGe73r 
Following a successful test event involving members of the Japan national teams in April, preparations are on track for a world-class tournament at Tokyo Stadium, which proved to be an excellent host venue during Rugby World Cup 2019.
To ensure teams are as best prepared as possible to perform on the greatest sporting stage of all, World Rugby has invested US$4 million into Olympic qualified unions’ sevens programmes and towards the costs of hosting a number of high-performance preparation events, the last of which took place in Los Angeles, USA, and Townsville, Australia, over the past weekend.
World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin said: “Today’s announcement marks a very exciting step on the road to Tokyo with less than a month to go until the players run out in Tokyo Stadium to compete on the Olympic stage.
“These will certainly be unique Olympic Games and we have been working very closely with the IOC, Tokyo 2020 and all other stakeholders towards delivering a safe, secure and highly impactful rugby sevens competition in Tokyo.
“Rugby sevens is a key priority for World Rugby and the inclusion of the sport for the first time in the Games at Rio 2016 had a profound effect, attracting an estimated 30 million new fans globally. With the recent launch of our new ‘This Is How We Sevens’ campaign we are confident millions more fans will engage with the thrilling, fast-paced and action-packed spectacle that is rugby sevens.
“As always, player welfare is at the heart of all our planning and we are confident that as it proved during Rugby World Cup 2019, Tokyo Stadium will be an excellent venue for the teams to inspire the world with their skill, athleticism, determination and the core rugby values of solidarity, integrity and respect.
“With the pools decided, we can now countdown the days and look forward what promises to be another memorable edition of Olympic rugby sevens.”
Video Message from World Rugby Chief Executive >> https://bit.ly/35V4mkf
Mikako Kotani, Sports Director for Tokyo 2020, said: “Today, rugby sevens’ pool allocations for Tokyo 2020 are announced. This year, rugby sevens will return to the Olympic Games for the second time after its inclusion at the Olympic Games Rio de Janeiro 2016 for the first time.
“We had a successful test event at Tokyo Stadium in April and we are confident that we have an excellent venue for the players so that they will be able to show their best performances to inspire the world and connect the world together once more.
“We are excited to welcome an international rugby tournament back to Japan and we hope rugby’s One Team Spirit will touch the hearts of people in Japan and in the world. I wish the very best of luck to all the 12 men’s and 12 women’s teams. Good luck to all the athletes and look forward to welcoming you all soon.”
Video Message from Tokyo 2020 Sports Director >> https://bit.ly/36c1NuB
Rugby sevens is expected to be one of the most highly anticipated events of the Tokyo Games, following the outstanding success of Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan, which captured the nation’s imagination with record-breaking broadcast audiences and huge numbers of new rugby fans across Japan and Asia.
The men’s competition will take place from 26-28 July, with the women’s tournament following on 29-31 July with the gold medal match happening on ‘Super Saturday’. All the action will take place at Tokyo Stadium, which was the venue for the opening match of Rugby World Cup 2019.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Rugby.
Notes to editors: Video messages from World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin and Sports Director for Tokyo 2020, Mikako Kotani, and social media graphics of the pools can be downloaded from the World Rugby Media Zone https://bit.ly/3A4iRQJ.
The Olympic seedings were determined by the combined points gained by teams in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series over the 2019 and 2020 seasons with the four teams that qualified directly to the Olympic Games from the 2019 Series seeded in the top four positions. These teams are Fiji, USA, New Zealand and South Africa for the men’s competition and New Zealand, USA, Canada and Australia for the women’s competition.
The seedings for teams who are not core teams in either the men’s or women’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series were determined by World Rugby based on an analysis of their performances as invitational teams in Series tournaments over the 2019 and 2020 seasons and other World Rugby sanctioned tournaments such as the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series and regional tournaments.
Media Contact: Rugby@APO-opa.com

Rugby sevens pools announced for Tokyo 2020 Olympics

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the lives of billions, and it has reminded us of our interdependency around the world. We are grateful for our strong programme partnerships which have endured the toughest of external challenges.

In Burkina Faso, the Islamic Development Bank (www.ISDB.org) and Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (https://bit.ly/3dppmnE) &#8211; the bank’s poverty alleviation arm joined hands with Light for The World to get immediate help to the communities hit hardest by the COVID-19 crisis. Women, men, girls and boys with disabilities are at the centre of this initiative.
Elie Bagbila, Director of Light for the World Burkina Faso, has been part of this project from the start. “Thanks to this partnership we could react quickly when the crisis emerged and get support to where it was needed most. Together we are more effective in making the world a more accessible place,” he says.
Our humanitarian interventions include support to the national health system to protect vulnerable people; education support to enable children with disabilities to continue their learning; and provision of food and supplies to vulnerable families affected by income loss.
Mohammad Jawabreh who serves as Senior Programme Management Specialist at the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development, says on this unique partnership:
“Burkina Faso has been hit hard by the COVID-19 health and economic crisis. Through our collaboration with Light for the World, we can save people’s lives, draw attention to the best practices of including people with disabilities in humanitarian responses, and ensure that no one is left behind.”
Ahmed Berthe, Lead NGO and Civil Society at the Resilience and Social Development Department of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) reflects:
“The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly tested the resilience of individuals and countries. The countries we support are facing high pressure on their healthcare systems, communities and citizens’ lives and livelihoods.&#8221;
&#8220;At the Islamic Development Bank, we saw invaluable merit in joining Light for the World and supporting people with disabilities during this difficult time.”
Celebrating partnership in the toughest of times, Elie Bagbila shares: “Inclusion is a path of learning. I am incredibly pleased to walk this path together with our allies at the Islamic Development Bank, local and international humanitarian agencies, government officials and, first and foremost, with the children and adults with disabilities in the communities we serve.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB Group).
Do you want to learn more about how to make humanitarian action disability-inclusive?
Read on:
 	How to include persons with disabilities in disaster response. A guide based on lessons-learned and good practices from Mozambique &#8211; https://bit.ly/3x8zvgo 	IASC Guidelines on the Inclusion of Persons with disabilities in Humanitarian Action &#8211; https://bit.ly/2U9lccw 	Stronger together. Light for the World’s COVID-19 response &#8211; https://bit.ly/3djb9bx 
This project was made possible with funding from the Islamic Development Bank and Islamic Solidary Fund for Development.

A humanitarian partnership in times of COVID

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
Shri V. Muraleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs held a virtual meeting with H.E. Dr. Frederick Shava, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Zimbabwe on Monday, 28th June 2021.
Both Ministers discussed a diverse range of bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of interest to both sides. Matters related to trade&#038;investment and ways to strengthen these were also discussed.
Recalling the historical ties between both the countries, the two Ministers reiterated their commitment to further strengthen the bilateral relationship.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of External Affairs &#8211; Government of India.

Virtual Interaction between the Minister of State for External Affairs and the Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Trade of Republic of Zimbabwe

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
On the 24th June 2021, as part of World Health Organization Eritrea support to Ministry of Health for the continuity of essential health services on Maternal and Newborn health, WHO Eritrea delivered vital Infection prevention and Control (IPC) equipment, that will significantly contribute to the effectiveness of Infection prevention and Control Interventions in the Eritrean Maternity Waiting Homes that valued at 162,000.00 Nakfa.

Maternity waiting homes are residential facilities where women living remotely stays before giving birth at health facilities and were introduced as a strategy in 2007 in hard to reach regions of Southern Red Sea supported by WHO. This is to strengthen the capacity to increase facility delivery for women living in remote geographic areas.
Remarking, the best practices of Eritrea in reducing maternal and child mortality rate, strengthening the Maternity Waiting Homes will play role in maintaining the remarkable achievements. Thus, these essential equipments include twelve Washing Machines of 14 kilograms capacity and will be distributed to the twelve maternity waiting homes in the Southern Red Sea which is a remote area of the country. They are expected to supplement the ongoing effort to the Infection prevention and Control Interventions especially during the COVID-19 pandemic era. 
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.

WHO Eritrea Supports the Ministry of Health Maternity Waiting Homes in remote areas with Essential Infection prevention and Control Equipment

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
Groupe Afrique54 Sarl (www.Afrique-54.com) announces the consolidation of its presence on the web and the reinforcement of the global exposure of Afrique54.net&#39;s content.

Recognized for its varied and reliable multimedia information from original sources, Afrique54.net has based its guidelines on four principles: efficiency, transparency, balance and objectivity.
Thanks to internationally renowned webmarketing agencies, Afrique54.net enjoys a solid global coverage with thousands of readers in Africa, America, Asia, Europe and Oceania. Its goal is to reach  more than 300,000 unique visits, with over 1 000,000 page views per month.
Marcien Essimi, Chief Executive Officer of Groupe Afrique54 Sarl and Director of Publication of Afrique54.net, said: &#8220;To ensure this global exposure, we have enlisted the help of high-level partners who have submitted this informative site to over 400 search engines, directories and web directories. &#8220;By opting for this new strategic approach, we are making the digital terminal more competitive and giving our customers and partners full satisfaction,&#8221; said Marcien Essimi.
&#8220;Afrique54.net, our flagship product, has significantly increased the reach of its digital information platform. We are delighted that Afrique54.net is gradually becoming a reference in the global media universe. It is a real tool for your sponsored article campaigns. &#8220;
As a citizen media, Afrique54.net gives a voice to African and international actors who want to be heard. As a channel through which Africa, its diaspora and Afro-descendants speak to the world, Afrique54.net gives pride of place to the promotion of the positive values of the continent and within the continent, while respecting the journalistic ethics that have allowed it to build relationships of trust with its sources, while giving space to constructive debate.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Groupe Afrique54 Sarl.
Media contact: E-mail: redaction@afrique54.net WhatsApp: +237 680 81 22 42 Website: www.Afrique54.net  | www.Afrique-54.com | www.lavoixdesdecideurs.biz
Afrique54.net in brief: Launched in 2017 and edited from Yaoundé by Groupe Afrique54 SARL , Afrique54.net (www.Afrique54.net) is an online media registered with the National Communication File (FNC) of the Cameroonian Ministry of Communication, with Marcien Essimi as Director of Publication. Like La Voix Des Décideurs (www.LaVoixDesDecideurs.biz), the newspaper broadcasts continuous information and is weaving a cosmopolitan web of African contributors.
Since 2017, it has been a member of a network of more than 30 media outlets set up by Branding Africa, which specialises in placing sponsored and unsponsored articles on the web. Branding Africa is also involved in documentary filmmaking, professional audio and video transcription, press editing, website creation, audiovisual editing, business intelligence, corporate spots and films, web referencing or dereferencing, and editorial content provision.

Editorial influence : Afrique54.net strengthens its global coverage

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
Kuwait’s Al-Sumait Prize for African Development today announced an extension for nominations to be received for its 2021 award for health to the middle of August 2021.

The decision to extend the deadline was due to the repercussions of the COVID19-pandemic and the subsequent challenges being faced by African researchers, research centers, and healthcare organizations.
The Health category includes but is not limited to initiatives, program, and research projects in the following areas:  Combating the prevalence of diseases in Africa, with a special focus on the utilization of effective frameworks and programs, to address and manage health crises such as SARS, COVID-19, and infectious zoonotic diseases; National capacity building in medical research and medical education; Upgrading and maintenance of national medical facilities; Developing national health policies and successful implementation of the outcomes.
Eligible candidates include organizations and research institutions whose initiatives and programs contributed significantly to solving health challenges in Africa, as well as outstanding researchers who are nominated by their institutions and peers. 
For information about the AlSumait Prize for the 2021-Cycle of Health as well as its conditions and requirements, please visit www.AlSumaitPrize.org/nominations
To access the Prize nomination form, please visit: www.KFAS.formstack.com/forms/AlSumait2021
For inquiries, please contact the Prizes Office on the following E-Mail: alsumaitprize@kfas.org.kw
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS).

US$1Million Al-Sumait Prize nominations period extended to 15th August due to the ongoing impact of Covid19

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
Mathieu Van der Poel (Alpecin-Fenix) won the 2nd stage of the Tour de France, attacking on the final few hundred meters of the Mur de Bretagne to win solo. The Dutchman also took over the race leaders yellow jersey.

Team Qhubeka NextHash started stage 2 of the Tour de France with the goal of making the break of the day. It was a goal that was achieved by road captain Simon Clarke going clear of the peloton with 3 other riders in the opening 15km of the 183km stage. Two other riders would eventually ride across to Clarke’s group to make it 6 out front for the majority of the day.
With the King of the Mountains jersey up for grabs in the breakaway, the escapees would attack one another on each of the categorized climbs. Heading to the Cote de San-Brieuic some light rain was falling, and Clarke was following a counter attack of two riders when he unfortunately slid out and hit the deck.
With the peloton already close behind at this stage, our road captain returned to the main group as the two riders pressed on up ahead. Their gap was always kept in check though, as once again the pre-race favourites looked to take advantage of the tough finishing circuit that included two ascents of the Mur de Bretagne.
With a fast pace being set, the break was caught before the first climb up to the line. A few riders would drop on the positive gradient but Team Qhubeka NextHash had both Michael Gogl and Sergio Henao fighting for position among the best.
Van der Poel made an initial attack on the Mur de Bretagne but was unable to go clear the first time. However, on the 2nd and final ascent the Dutchman had enough left in the tank to go again and made his move with 700m to go stick, all the way to the line.
Henao rode strongly to finish with the main GC group, which was reduced to just 27 riders and crossed the line 8 seconds behind Van der Poel. Our remaining seven Team Qhubeka NextHash riders all finished safely.
Sergio Henao
It was a very hard day, it’s the Tour, and every day is incredibly difficult. The finale was very tough too but I had good legs and was in the first group.
Victor, Max and Michael were all working for me to help position me and it might have been possible to finish slightly higher up but overall I was very happy with the legs that I had today.
Mathieu van der Poel was amazing, a super attack along with Pogacar. They showed just how strong they are and all the riders that were in my group were right on the limit because of the effort they put in.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Team Qhubeka NextHash.
Note to Editors: Rights-free video, audio and image content is available via the following link here https://bit.ly/3A2rP0T.

For further enquiries: Jean Smyth (Head of Communications) Email: jean@ryder.co.za Mobile: +27 63 470 1710 or +31 625 739 033

About Team Qhubeka NextHash: Team Qhubeka NextHash is a purpose-led, high-performance team, fighting to win on the world&#39;s biggest stage, to inspire hope and create opportunity. Founded in 2007, Team Qhubeka NextHash (formerly NTT Pro Cycling) became the first-ever African cycling team to gain a UCI WorldTour license, in 2016.
We achieved our first major win in 2013 when Gerald Ciolek won Milan-San Remo, one of the five Monuments of cycling. We have competed in six Tour de France’s and notched up 7 stage wins, with Mark Cavendish wearing the coveted Yellow Jersey at the 2016 Tour de France.
We are a multicultural, diverse team with bases in South Africa, the Netherlands and Italy. There are 19 nationalities represented across our World Tour and continental feeder team rosters. Our focus on developing African cycling has resulted in more than 55 riders from the African continent be given the opportunity to race on the world stage, since the team&#39;s inception.
We race to help people to move forward with bicycles through our relationship with Qhubeka Charity. Through our work with Qhubeka, we have contributed to the distribution of over 30 000 bicycles in communities in South Africa.
About Qhubeka: Qhubeka is a charity that moves people forward with bicycles.  People earn bicycles through our programmes, improving their access to schools, clinics and jobs.
A bicycle is a tool that helps people to travel faster and further, and to carry more. In the face of extreme and persistent poverty, bicycles can change lives by helping to address socioeconomic challenges at the most basic level – helping people to get where they need to go.
All images attached to the press release can be used with the respective image credit in combination to this release.

Simon Clarke in the break on Tour de France stage 2 as Mathieu van der Poel takes yellow

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
Kwik Delivery (www.Kwik.Delivery) keeps moving the goal post recently with strings of new developments rolling out every now and then &#8211; from constant system upgrades to setting a new industry standard with its cutting-edge free e-commerce plugins &#8211; and it seems to get only better! The leading delivery platform has just been made bigger, better isothermal delivery bags available to its bike delivery partners across Lagos.

Bigger, stronger and more resilient compared to regular delivery bags, the Kwik bag 2.0 isothermal bags are to replace the first-generation delivery bags used by Kwik Delivery bike riders since its launch in 2019. They are introduced to make deliveries much safer as well as increase carrying capacity of bikes.
The new Kwik 2.0 bags can carry up to 40kg of load as against the 25kg capacity of the previous bags. Zippers on the bag are covered with protective flaps to safe-guard delivery packages against water leaks from rainfall while in transit. More interestingly, the bags are designed to keep the temperature (hot or cold) of parcels up to 6 hours while in transit. Meanwhile Kwik’s platform ensures parcels delivery within 2 hours of pick-up in Lagos and 1 hour in Abuja. 
“With this new Kwik 2.0 bag, customers can move even more merchandises around Lagos with just-in time effectiveness and complete peace of mind knowing, as before, that the condition of their goods are intact irrespective of the temperature or weather”, says Yinka Olayanju, Chief Operating Officer of Kwik Delivery. “Now you can send much more things with a Kwikster, be it frozen goods or a hot dish, the carrying capacity just got bigger.”
Since its launch in 2019, Kwik Delivery has firmly established itself as an enabler of digital transformation for merchants in Nigeria, creating strong value-added SaaS services critical to the deployment and growth of e-commerce. Kwik Delivery is the trading name of Africa Delivery Technologies SAS and the Kwik Delivery mobile app is available on iOS (https://bit.ly/3haIHdl) and Android (https://bit.ly/3haIHdl).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kwik.

Kwik Delivery Launches Kwik Bag 2.0: New Bigger, Better Isothermal Delivery Bag!

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
The opening stage of the Tour de France, a 198km loop around Brittany, was a dramatic affair, but not always for the most positive of reasons.

Team Qhubeka NextHash were part of the early action as Victor Campenaerts and Max Walscheid were the first two riders to attack today. Campenaerts would summit the first category 4 climb of the race, in first place, but the peloton quickly brought back the UCI Hour Record holder.
A break of 6 riders eventually went clear but the peloton kept them close, as the punchy finale suited a number of the pre-race favourites. Drama then struck with 45km to go, as a fan got in the way of the peloton and caused a mass crash at the front of the race.
Fortunately, all Team Qhubeka NextHash riders got through the carnage to continue racing. As the break was caught and the peloton raced toward the finishing climb, another high speed mass-crash occurred with 7km to go. Once again, luck was on our side as all our riders managed to escape without serious injury.
The crashes had obviously shattered the peloton, leaving just 25 riders to contest for stage honours. The World Champion, Alaphilippe, took a brilliant win while Michael Gogl and Sergio Henao were the first riders home for Team Qhubeka NextHash, finishing in the 2nd group on the road.
Our remaining 6 riders, including Le Tour debutants Nicholas Dlamini, Sean Bennett, Carlos Barbero&#038;Campenaerts all managed to finish the stage safely.
Team Qhubeka NextHash wishes a speedy recover to all those injured in today&#39;s crashes.
Nicholas Dlamini
I think it was one of the first stages of a race that I&#39;ve done in a while where there were so many big crashes but I think we can be happy that nobody really was too badly hurt, it could have been worse. The race was everything that we expected, first stage are always like that, with a lot of stress in the bunch.
It was really good to make my debut and the race started pretty fast. Victor was very good on the first climb but from there it didn&#39;t really stop, it just carried on for another 15km or so before the race slowed down but you could still sense the tension in the peloton with everyone still nervous. And after the first big crash things got more tense as the speed increased in the final but also the roads didn&#39;t get easier with the road furniture.
I think that we can really look forward to the next stage now and take it day by day.
I just want to again thank everyone for the incredible support that they&#39;ve given to me and the team. It&#39;s been incredible, and we will continue to strive to make everyone proud as we continue to change lives with bicycles.
Michael Gogl
It was a really hectic start as usual at the Grande Depart. In the final there was another really big crash and I came through alright but Sergio lost a few positions and wasn&#39;t in the right position to contest.
You had to have the legs for that sort of final so I we&#39;re not satisfied overall with the day but most importantly we&#39;re relatively unscathed and so we look forward to the opportunities to come.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Team Qhubeka NextHash.
Note to Editors: Rights-free video, audio and image content is available via the following link here https://bit.ly/3A2rP0T.

For further enquiries: Jean Smyth (Head of Communications) Email: jean@ryder.co.za Mobile: +27 63 470 1710 or +31 625 739 033

About Team Qhubeka NextHash: Team Qhubeka NextHash is a purpose-led, high-performance team, fighting to win on the world&#39;s biggest stage, to inspire hope and create opportunity. Founded in 2007, Team Qhubeka NextHash (formerly NTT Pro Cycling) became the first-ever African cycling team to gain a UCI WorldTour license, in 2016.
We achieved our first major win in 2013 when Gerald Ciolek won Milan-San Remo, one of the five Monuments of cycling. We have competed in six Tour de France’s and notched up 7 stage wins, with Mark Cavendish wearing the coveted Yellow Jersey at the 2016 Tour de France.
We are a multicultural, diverse team with bases in South Africa, the Netherlands and Italy. There are 19 nationalities represented across our World Tour and continental feeder team rosters. Our focus on developing African cycling has resulted in more than 55 riders from the African continent be given the opportunity to race on the world stage, since the team&#39;s inception.
We race to help people to move forward with bicycles through our relationship with Qhubeka Charity. Through our work with Qhubeka, we have contributed to the distribution of over 30 000 bicycles in communities in South Africa.
About Qhubeka: Qhubeka is a charity that moves people forward with bicycles.  People earn bicycles through our programmes, improving their access to schools, clinics and jobs.
A bicycle is a tool that helps people to travel faster and further, and to carry more. In the face of extreme and persistent poverty, bicycles can change lives by helping to address socioeconomic challenges at the most basic level – helping people to get where they need to go.
All images attached to the press release can be used with the respective image credit in combination to this release.

Team Qhubeka NextHash safely navigate crash-marred Tour de France (TdF) opening stage

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
An urgent measles and rubella (MR) vaccination campaign was launched today in Kajiado County by the Government of Kenya, with support of World Health Organization, WHO, UNICEF, Gavi the Vaccine Alliance, and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The campaign, which will be conducted from 26 June to 5 July, aims to vaccinate 3.9 million children aged 9 months to 5 years, in 22 counties across Kenya.

The MR campaign is now underway in the counties of: Baringo, Bomet, Bungoma, Elgeyo, Garissa, Homabay, Kakamega, Kilifi, Kisii, Kisumu, Mandera, Marakwet, Migori, Nairobi, Narok, Samburu, Tana River, Trans Nzoia, Turkana, Vihiga, Wajir and West Pokot. The target counties were selected based on high numbers of unimmunized children and reported measles outbreaks.
“The Government of Kenya has always prioritized the health of the people and that is why we are taking this urgent action to protect children from measles and rubella,” Chief Administrative Secretary for Health, Dr Mercy Mwangangi said. “Children are a blessing from God and therefore there is no reason for them to suffer and die from preventable diseases. The vaccines are available free of charge and I urge all parents to ensure their children are vaccinated in order to protect them from these diseases.”
As part of the campaign, MR vaccines will be administered to children in health facilities, with mobile teams also providing vaccination in preschools, marketplaces, churches and other designated places on specific days. UNICEF has procured and delivered the vaccines and is supporting the mobilization of caregivers and communities. Mobile company AirTel is providing support through mass text messages, to raise awareness among parents in the target counties.
“All children have the right to access life-saving health care. Last year, routine health services including immunization were disrupted by the impact of COVID-19,” said UNICEF Representative to Kenya Maniza Zaman. “UNICEF is working hard to ensure that young and vulnerable children are vaccinated against measles and rubella. Children under five-years-old can die from measles complications and if the virus circulation is not stopped, their risk of exposure increases daily. We know that vaccination is by far the best way to keep these children safe.”
Since 2016, the MR vaccine has been offered as part of the routine childhood immunization programme in Kenya, with one dose administered at nine months and the second dose at 18 months. To ensure adequate protection in communities, it is important that at least 95 per cent of children receive the two recommended doses. In 2020, only 85 percent of children in Kenya have received the first dose and less than 50 percent have had the second dose.
“This mass vaccination will provide an opportunity for all who missed their vaccines to get it and a supplemental dose for those who received their previous dose to boost their immunity,” WHO Representative to Kenya Dr Rudi Eggers said. “Vaccination against measles will protect children from this debilitating disease which is one of the leading causes of death among children less than five years old. Vaccination saves lives, protects against diseases and ensures that children are healthy and thus do well in school and later on in life.&#8221; No child should suffer measles or die from measles or other vaccine preventable diseases while there is an effective vaccine that is made available by the Government of Kenya.&#8221;
Globally, reported measles cases fell from over 850,000 in 2000 to 132,000 in 2016, largely due to increased vaccine coverage in low and middle-income countries. However, in recent years global cases have surged dramatically. In 2018, there were nearly 360,000 cases recorded worldwide, while measles deaths climbed 50 percent from 2016 to 2019, claiming over 207,500 lives in 2019, according to data from WHO.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.

APO

Marriott Bonvoy Portfolio Launches Exciting Summer Offers Across Egypt

SSOP 2021 Kicks Off in South Sudan, Leads Africa’s Return to In-Person Events

Kowry Energy: Company wins Rolls-Royce as investor and attracts former British Africa Minister Lord Bellingham to its Board

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont to chair the jury of the Rugby Africa Media and Photography Awards

Max Walscheid sprints to 10th on another crash-marred stage of Le Tour

Government of Pakistan and International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) signed New Framework Agreement amounting to US$ 4.5 billion

Celtics name Ime Udoka 18th Head Coach in Franchise History

Rugby sevens pools announced for Tokyo 2020 Olympics

A humanitarian partnership in times of COVID

Virtual Interaction between the Minister of State for External Affairs and the Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Trade of Republic of Zimbabwe

WHO Eritrea Supports the Ministry of Health Maternity Waiting Homes in remote areas with Essential Infection prevention and Control Equipment

Editorial influence : Afrique54.net strengthens its global coverage

US$1Million Al-Sumait Prize nominations period extended to 15th August due to the ongoing impact of Covid19

Simon Clarke in the break on Tour de France stage 2 as Mathieu van der Poel takes yellow

Kwik Delivery Launches Kwik Bag 2.0: New Bigger, Better Isothermal Delivery Bag!

Team Qhubeka NextHash safely navigate crash-marred Tour de France (TdF) opening stage

Almost four million children set to receive measles rubella vaccine

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APO

Marriott Bonvoy Portfolio Launches Exciting Summer Offers Across Egypt

SSOP 2021 Kicks Off in South Sudan, Leads Africa’s Return to In-Person Events

Kowry Energy: Company wins Rolls-Royce as investor and attracts former British Africa Minister Lord Bellingham to its Board

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont to chair the jury of the Rugby Africa Media and Photography Awards

Max Walscheid sprints to 10th on another crash-marred stage of Le Tour

Government of Pakistan and International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) signed New Framework Agreement amounting to US$ 4.5 billion

Celtics name Ime Udoka 18th Head Coach in Franchise History

Rugby sevens pools announced for Tokyo 2020 Olympics

A humanitarian partnership in times of COVID

Virtual Interaction between the Minister of State for External Affairs and the Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Trade of Republic of Zimbabwe

WHO Eritrea Supports the Ministry of Health Maternity Waiting Homes in remote areas with Essential Infection prevention and Control Equipment

Editorial influence : Afrique54.net strengthens its global coverage

US$1Million Al-Sumait Prize nominations period extended to 15th August due to the ongoing impact of Covid19

Simon Clarke in the break on Tour de France stage 2 as Mathieu van der Poel takes yellow

Kwik Delivery Launches Kwik Bag 2.0: New Bigger, Better Isothermal Delivery Bag!

Team Qhubeka NextHash safely navigate crash-marred Tour de France (TdF) opening stage

Almost four million children set to receive measles rubella vaccine

News Tips

Advertise With Us

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