ON November 20, a group of 36 cyclists took part in the Telkom 947 Cycle Challenge to raise funds for Amcare, a non-profit outreach programme which extends assistance to the broader Alberton community, including orphans and the elderly.
Eight of the cyclists had also completed the 947 Mountain Bike Challenge, just a week before.
Sandra Human, the 947 team leader for Amcare, would like to thank all the cyclist as well as Grace Trinity, St Declans, Argility and Camera Press for sponsoring their cycling shirts, as well as a number of people from the community who contributed to the cyclists’ goodie bags. “The support of the Alberton community was a blessing and heart-warming,” she says.
Sandra, with the guidance and support of Judy Joubert, the team leader from Stepping Stone Hospice, took on the task of registering the Amcare team to raise awareness of the Amcare brand and raise funds for food parcels for the needy. It was a very steep learning curve and Sandra and her team did very well gaining experience for next year’s race, where they hope to have even more riders. Their aim is to make this an annual event and a major fund-raiser for Amcare.
On November 10 and 17, functions were held at the Amcare lapa to hand out the race packs, cycling shirts and goodie bags and the excitement among the cyclists, especially the novices, was very noticeable.
A proud highlight for the team is that the youngest female member was Jade Niemand, a 12-year-old learner from Grace Trinity, and the oldest female cyclist was Sarah Williams, a 62-year-old sewing skills trainer from Amcare whose heart’s desire was to compete. They both did well in the race, although Sarah did not complete the race because she became ill. Jade was cycling with her dad, Ian Niemand. Amcare’s first cyclist to cross the finishing line was Kevin Hellyer, in three hours and eight minutes.
Amcare staff were out in full force to support the cyclists during the race. “It was fantastic to be part of the 144 charities that were registered for this challenge and the 33 000 cyclists,” says Sandra.
The Amcare cyclists achieved very good race times overall and a few champions came to the forefront. “Among our group of cyclists we had members from the Alberton Methodist Church, teachers, staff, parents and learners from St Declans and Grace Trinity, St Pauls Church, Camera Press, Argility, Meyersdal Chiropractic Clinic and members from Alberton and surrounding areas. “We would like to extend a huge thank you to these cyclists. “Not only did you give Amcare exposure, but your financial contributions of R33 000 will make a difference in the community and to less fortunate people in Alberton and surrounding areas,” adds Sandra.
