2016 Africa Kit Appeal opens with Zwift covering import costs as sponsor

The Africa Kit Appeal, the charity founded by Team Dimension Data rider and former Irish national champion Matt Brammeier, has brought online cycling training and gaming platform Zwift on board as trading partner - and it will also cover all import costs.

The charity aims to help aspiring young cyclists in Africa by encouraging riders from around the world to donate their unwanted kit to it.

Under the new partnership, Zwift will not only encourage its users to pass on kit they no longer use, but will also pay all import duties incurred with getting the items to Africa.

Zwift CEO and co-founder Eric Min said: “We’re super excited about teaming up with Matt and the Africa Kit Appeal.

“This exciting grassroots project is a great fit for the Zwift community and we have no doubt that Zwifters all around the world will want to get involved.”

He added: “There’s too much good cycling kit lying unused in people’s homes. Let’s give it a new home, a new purpose in life and help inspire young cyclists to fulfil their potential.”

The 2017 appeal began yesterday and there are a dozen drop-off points in the UK where kit can be donated.

A list of those is on the Africa Kit Appeal website, which also gives details of drop-off locations in Ireland, Spain and Germany.

Brammeier commented: “Everyone at the Africa Kit Appeal is thrilled to welcome Zwift as our new title sponsor.

“Helping covering our import duties is great but the potential from Zwift engaging their community is even greater.

“We’re looking forward to the massive potential this new partnership can offer us, and we are all truly grateful for their assistance and support.”

Any kit donated should be in a good condition, and organisers ask that nothing above a size medium should be given, since it will be of no use.