Cycling to Raise Cash

On 18 October, an active group of Joburg dads will once again embark on a spirited cycle challenge to Durban to raise funds for charity.

Spearheaded by cycling enthusiast Rob Jackson, the Dad’s Charity Cycle Challenge was initiated last year where R25 000 was raised for charity. “Following the success of the 2005 project we have decided to give it another go and we aim to raise our target this year,” says Jackson.

The Dad’s Charity Cycle Challenge will take place over 5 days. The team will cover 140km down to Standerton on the first day, followed by a further 133km to Newcastle on day two. The third day will comprise of a lengthy 165km cycle down to Estcourt and day four will see the team arrive in Pietermaritzburg after 95km.

The final leg will mark the culmination of the cycle challenge when the team will compete in the 105km ‘Pick ‘n Pay Amashovashova Race’ from Pietermaritzburg to Durban on 22 October 2005. The Amashovashova is the oldest ‘classic’ cycle race in the country, which follows the same route as the world famous Comrades Marathon. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the event.

According to Jackson, the 30-strong team includes dads and friends along with a support team including 4 professional riders and a masseuse to make sure that each pair of legs is kept strong throughout the gruelling 640km long cycle.

“None of our core team are professional cyclists and all the participants will be paying their own expenses down to Durban,” says Jackson.

A number of sponsors have already come forward to pledge their support for the riders including Sasol, QAD, Maxim Pet Products, Planet Fitness, Vita-Thion, Pick ‘n Pay, MTN and Dischem. Nissan has also kindly donated three vehicles for the support team, which will drive behind and in front of the group ensuring their safety. Barloworld have pledged their Professional Cycling Team’s support vehicle to assist as well.

“To date we have managed to raise R70 000, which means we’re more tha half way to achieving our set target of R100 000 which will be divided between our three chosen charities - the Sunflower Foundation, Fulton School for the deaf and the Gauteng Down Syndrome Association (DSA). “

The Sunflower Foundation (Friends of the South African Bone Marrow Registry) is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation based in Cape Town which operates a national toll-free call centre to advise and recruit donors from all over South Africa. The Fund raises money to support the South African Bone Marrow Registry.

The Fulton School for the Deaf is one of the very few schools catering for children with hearing disabilities in the Province of Kwa Zulu-Natal. Due to the lack of funding and government curtailment, the school finds itself having to lean heavily on outside assistance.

The Gauteng Down Syndrome Association, established in 1980, is run by parents of Down Syndrome children on a voluntary basis. The DSA explores ways of improving the lives of those with Down Syndrome and runs numerous outreach programmes for young families with Down Syndrome children.

Anyone interested in joining the team or providing some form of sponsorship should please contact Kandice Buys on 082 330 2704 or e-mail her on kandice@leveragecorporation.co.za