Support locals as they Ride for a Purpose

JOBURG – With entries closing at the end of this month, cyclists would have already started training for the Telkom 947 Cycle Challenge set for November.

This year will mark the 20th edition of this challenge, regarded as Joburg’s biggest cycle event, which is not only about physical endurance but a platform to spread awareness.

Ride for a Purpose is a campaign that allows cyclists to support a charity of their choice and raise money for a good cause while they ride. According to the challenge’s website, last year R15.4 million was raised for various charities and the cycle challenge encourages riders and charities to do better this year.

The challenge’s website provides a list of charities that are registered and riders are asked to contact the charity’s team leader. Entries to Ride for a Purpose close on 30 September.

One company that has already jumped at the opportunity is Xperien, which, as part of their Urban Mining initiative, aims to help non-profit organisations (NPOs) that assist disadvantaged children in South Africa.

The Xperien Cycling Team will be riding for Wheel Well, which focuses on children’s road safety. Xperien has invited other corporates to Ride for a Purpose where they aim to raise R300 000 for Wheel Well.

“With car crash death and injury remaining unacceptably high, our work is more urgent than ever. The exposure that we will enjoy during an event such as the 947 Cycle Challenge is immensely valuable and funding will give us wings to fly,” said Peggie Mars, founder of Wheel Well.

To ride with Xperien, a sponsorship of R1 650 secures entry to the Telkom 947 Cycle Challenge and includes the registration fee and cycling shirt. Alternatively, to support this initiative, you can ‘challenge a rider’ by sponsoring a rider per kilometre with a minimum of R1 per kilometre.

Another local charity, Stand with Stan, an NPO that empowers amputees through providing quality prosthetics, is also on the campaign’s charity list.

Individuals will have to pay for their own race entry and an extra R500 for a Stand with Stan cycle jersey. Stan Andrews, founder of Stand with Stan and Africa’s fastest para-triathlete, will be participating in the challenge for the fourth time, and he hopes to complete the race in under three hours.

“The R500 is just for the cycle jerseys. We want to create awareness so the more jerseys out there, the more people will know about Stand with Stan,” Andrews commented. The organisation hopes to raise R50 000, the cost of assisting one amputee. All other donations are welcome.

To donate any amount of money or a car seat to help Wheel Well with road safety for children, or to participate in the Telkom 947 Cycle Challenge, contact Xperien on 011 462 8806 or visit www.xperien.com

Details: Stand with Stan, info@standwithstan.co.za

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