Committed cyclists show their support for MRP Foundation
Cyclists do their bit for MRP Foundation by raising around R300 000.
THE sixth annual Ride For MRP Foundation finished on a high note as 40 seasoned cyclists successfully completed one of South Africa’s toughest road rides. The epic 660km ride from Johannesburg to Durban spanned over two days (November 29 and 30) and funds raised for the MRP Foundation look set to reach over R300 000.
Day one pushed the cyclists’ mental and physical limits as they tackled some big climbs on the journey from Johannesburg to Ladysmith, covering 370km in just 14 hours. The determined cyclists set a strong downhill pace on day two, gaining momentum as they were escorted through sunny Durban by the Metro police, finally arriving at the Mr Price head office to a cheering crowd of well-wishers.
Testament to the popularity of the gruelling cycle challenge entries poured in this year.
Kelvin du Sart, chairman of the Westville Cycle Club and visionary and organiser behind the ride, was impressed by both the riders’ camaraderie and the ride itself: “The ride went exactly to plan: the heat didn’t prove too much of a challenge and they all made it through successfully. And of course, a big thanks to the assistants and support team, who followed them the whole way.”
Since it was first staged in 2010, over R500 000 has been raised through the event, with that figure set to rise even higher after this ride. Proceeds go to the MRP Foundation, a non-profit organisation with a vision for South Africa, where young people become inspired, healthy and engaged citizens through education and skills development programmes.
Natasja Ambrosio, director of the MRP Foundation, was overwhelmed by the courageous cyclists, saying, “These cyclists put their bodies on the line to raise funds and awareness for the MRP Foundation, which is an extraordinary action worth celebrating. With their help and help from everyone who organised, supported and donated, we are going to be able to continue to impact thousands of young South Africans and give them the opportunity to become something significant, a task we have been passionately doing for the past ten years. Together we can create change and do good.”
