The Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation donated 10 mountain bikes to Oos Rand Secondary’s mountain bike team on March 17.
The founder and coach of the team, Ingrid Ruiters, is excited about this philanthropic act by the department.
“Our bicycles were worn out. What the department has done for us is empowering and uplifting, and we are glad they considered us.
“We were approached by the department’s deputy director for East Corridor Sport, Zamangema Sihlangu, last year when she became aware of a cycling club in Reiger Park needing help.
“She promised to help us and, indeed, kept her promise,” she said.
“We would like to get more members, especially girls, and the donation will help accommodate more members.”
Ruiters’ aim in forming the team in 2016 was to keep young people busy and away from illegal activities. The vice-captain of the team, Jaiten Mosia, said he appreciates what the department did for them.
“On behalf of the team, I would also like to thank my coach Ingrid Ruiters for giving us this opportunity to cycle. She introduced cycling to us as learners, and I have learnt a lot from the sport,” he said.
Zamangema Sihlangu said she first saw the team at an event held at the Reiger Park Stadium last year.
“I asked my friend to introduce me to the members.
“Ingrid told me about their struggles, and I decided to take the responsibility to help the team.
“We usually do schools and communities. Our next donation is of skateboards in Duduza,” Sihlangu said.
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