The Motorcycle Sports Federation of Kenya (MSFK) is set to host its Annual Awards Ceremony on Saturday, February 10th, at Offroad Adventures EA in Karen, running from 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM.
This event will not only applaud excellence across various Motorcycle Sports disciplines but also pay tribute to the invaluable contributions of the community in advancing the broader scope of "Beyond Sports."
Renzo Bernardi, President of MSFK, emphasized, “MSFK is more than just a sports federation; its framework mirrors that of the FIM (International Motorcycling Federation), encompassing activities beyond sports such as medical initiatives, leisure and touring, road safety advocacy, sustainability, and promoting women in motorcycling.”
The activities falling under the umbrella of "Beyond Sports" for 2023 included prestigious events like the Concours D’Elegance hosted by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club, alongside community engagement programs like the Ubuntu Run, Bikers’ Pray Day, leisure rides, road safety drives, gender parity initiatives, mental health awareness campaigns, and sustainability efforts spearheaded by the Private Bikers Association of Kenya and the Women Bikers Association.
As customary, the ceremony will honor all National Championship victors in Motocross, Enduro, and Rally Raid (Bike Class), as well as Regional Champions in the esteemed FIM Africa Central Africa Challenge (CAC), typically contested between Kenya and Uganda.
The CAC series kicked off in Uganda in April 2023, with Kenya hosting the return leg at Jamhuri Park Racetrack in December.
Athletes who represented the country in FIM sanctioned events will also be recognized for their resilience against international competitors. Notably, the 15 competitors who participated in the 2023 FIM Africa CAC (MX) in Uganda and the 18 dedicated individuals who competed for Kenya in the FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations (MXOAN) in Cape Town will be celebrated.
Additionally, a special acknowledgment will be extended to a Kenyan participant in the Roof of Africa (Hard Enduro) held in Lesotho.
The MSFK Special Awards category will highlight both Sporting and Non-Sporting achievements, including the Angus Young Award, Karin Bernardi Award, Lady Rider of the Year, Meritorious Award, Sustainability Award, Women in Motorcycling recognition, Personality of the Year, Club of the Year, and Appreciation Plaques for notable figures who have significantly contributed to the sport.
Renzo expressed gratitude, saying, “In recognition of their dedication, all riders who participated in the 2023 national series will be honored with certificates of participation.”
The 2023 motorcycling season witnessed a total of 19 national series events, comprising 9 in motocross, 6 in enduro, and 4 in rally raid (bike category), in addition to three FIM sanctioned events, including the FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations (MXoAN) and the FIM Africa Central African Challenge Cup.
Renzo concluded, “Our achievements in 2023 are indebted to the tireless efforts of our volunteers and officials at the club and association levels, who have played pivotal roles in the growth and development of motorcycling in Kenya. Their selfless work behind the scenes ensures the smooth running of events and provides riders with the necessary support and resources for success.”