Africa Believe introduces five young cyclists to 94.7 Challenge

One member of the quintet, Martin Primary School pupil and Plantation resident Chris Coetzee (13), took part in the gruelling 25km mountainbike challenge and finished in a time of 1:39:20.

All of Thabo Vilakazi (19) and Tumelo Molepo (19), both of Ramaphosa Informal Settlement; Chenzo Parker (20) of Reiger Park and Vosloorus’ Desmond Radebe (30), did the full 94.7 Cycle Challenge. That was a great effort from all four athletes, as it was their first cycle race after only starting to cycle in August.

The Africa Believe Foundation is a non-profit organisation, that provides opportunities for local community members to get involved in sport. The 94.7 Cycle Challenge was the foundation’s first project, since being established in August 2016. The project was a huge success – with bicycles, kit, nutrition, race entries, coaching, and logistical support being provided.

The next phase of competition saw the trio of Molepo, Radebe and Parker taking part in a sprint distance triathlon, held at Buffelspoort on Sunday, November 27.

“It’s very encouraging to see these athletes taking full advantage of opportunities being presented”, said the organisations chairman, Mike Moriarty.

“The members have all adopted the coaching ethos of humility, honesty and hard work. And to see them achieve so much in such a short space of time, is extremely encouraging. We aim to expand the project as funding becomes available, to offer similar opportunities to more people within the community.”

The focus now shifts to January 15 2017, with the Central Gauteng Provincial Triathlon Championships being held in Germiston.

Members are provided with training programs supplied by M.A.D. Multisport; and are coached and supported by Lauren Dance – a local professional triathlete and coach – and DelaRey Ribbens, also a full-time triathlete who trains with Moriarty. The squad will be preparing to race for spots in the CGT team that’ll take part in the SA champs in March. The race distances they’ll compete in, will be a 1500m swim, followed by a 40km bike and then a 10km run.

In an effort to raise funds for the foundation, Moriarty is cycling 94km every day for 94 days – with the first one being the 94.7 Cycle Challenge and finishing on February 21 2017.

The project 94x94in94 has so far raised an amount of R39,124. The target is R89,000. The money is being used to set up a bursary scheme, to afford two youngsters the opportunity to study a diploma in sport and exercise science in 2017. If anyone would like to contribute to the project, visit https://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/mikes-94-94s-in-94; or contact the foundation at africabelieve@gmail.com if you want to find out more about getting involved in triathlon, cycling, swimming or running. – @SabeloBoksburg