The Africa Believe foundation, formed by Mike Moriarty in 2016, held a cycling event for primary and high school learners, on April 22, at Boksburg Stadium.
The chairperson and founder of the foundation, Moriarty, said they initiated the event, which comprised gravel cycling races for girls and boys because they want to revive the cycling sport in the East Rand area and ensure youngsters pursue it as a career.
“We want youngsters to be familiar with the sport. However, we are in the process of creating a bicycle maintaining and repairing workshop here in Boksburg Stadium, the building process of the project will be led by Raleigh South Africa. Our main plan with the workshop is to reduce the high youth unemployment rate. We are going to strongly focus on employing young people in the workshop.
“Our racing events are going to happen twice a month. People need to familiarise themselves with cycling because it keeps anyone who does it fit. It also promotes healthy living and eating lifestyles among the sportspersons who participate in it,” said Moriarty.
Allen Mee, a race director and master trail designer and builder, said he was happy to be part of the event organising team. “I’m happy about the turnout of the cyclists. We are trying to make a difference in these young cyclists’ lives,” explained Mee.
A learner of Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen, Tryston Jansen van Vuuren, who was injured by a huge tyre in September, said he was happy to be part of the mountain bike gravel race because it helps him to rebuild his muscle and regain his stamina after his critical injury.
“It is hard for me to compete because I feel dizzy every time I ride my bicycle for a long time. However, I’m happy to be here today because I’m doing what I liked to do before my injury,” said van Vuuren.
MD of Raleigh SA Sean Roberts said they are jumping on board and joining the bicycles initiative because he is happy with what he sees.
“We are going to support the events with infrastructure and ensure young people get the right opportunities to improve their lives. We are keen to build a workshop in the stadium. What Africa Believe Foundation is doing is very important. The cyclists that are here today are very impressive. They have great potential,” said Roberts.
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