Cyclist respect pedals towards youth development
Local cyclist Respect Ramashia primary objective is to offer recreational cycling training from grassroots level to interested young people who have no access to the sport.
LIMPOPO – Respect Ramashia, a cyclist from Niani Malale village, is highly lauded for the continuous efforts he makes towards youth development in rural areas.
Ramashia is a member of Polokwane Pedallers Cycling Club.
His primary objective is to offer recreational cycling training from grassroots level to interested young people from all around the Vhembe region.
Riders get to compete provincially and nationally, based on their skills.
He encourages active mobility within communities that previously had no access to the sport.
“The life of a cyclist is costly and demands a lot of financial support, which is a challenge,” he said.
He also offers life skills training and sometimes visits schools to give motivational talks. Here he touches on the importance of discipline and encourages learners to remain focused and to not let themselves be distracted from their school work.
“It is better to inspire the younger children, to coach and steer their passion in the right direction.
“I never envisioned that this would one day become more than a place to learn how to cycle. Through the efforts of managers, coaches and teachers, these youths have shown improvement in their cycling abilities and greater involvement and commitment to the sport and to their communities,” he said.
Ramashia always wondered how he could join the sport.
“I didn’t know how to cycle until a friend took me with him to join the Polokwane Pedallers Cycling Club. I’m now a pro and have taken part in major races with sponsors who support me – not just in the sport, but in life.”
He says that the youth has gotten lost in drugs in his area, something he is grateful to have escaped.
“Cycling takes our kids off the street and provides them with a healthy lifestyle,” he said.
“I was one of the boys who enjoyed being at the bike park and already had good cycling skills. I don’t think I would otherwise have had these opportunities.”
