The Muscular Dystrophy Foundation of South Africa (MDFSA) Gauteng is a registered non-profit organisation (NPO) located on Botes Street.
The NPO supports people affected by muscular dystrophy, a rare disease that causes progressive muscle wasting. The NPO continually relies on the support and goodwill of donors to assist them in their charitable endeavours. Responsible for generating awareness as well as fundraising activities, one of their flagship projects is their cycling team called the ‘Muscle Riders’. The group of cyclists take part in the 947 Ride Joburg every year, all in aid of sufferers of muscular dystrophy.
For many years now, there has been a group of amazing children who take part in the 947 Kids Race and they have been affectionately named MDFSA’s ‘Little Heroes of Hope’. They have truly become an inspiration for many who follow MDFSA, seeing children at a young age, some as young as two years old, demonstrate a willingness and keen interest to do all that they can to assist those less fortunate.
This year Juanru Roodt will be riding his fifth kids race at just the age of nine. When asked by his mom, Litza, why he enjoys doing the race he said, “I am riding for children who can’t walk while raising funds to help them. We need to always be there for other people and help where we can. By doing that I am spreading God’s love.”
Two brothers, Cayden and Dante Fourie have also taken part in many races and when asked why they take part they said, “We ride in support of our grandfather who had muscular dystrophy. We love doing the race and riding for children who cannot ride for themselves. We also like raising funds to help those who need it.”
Should anyone be interested in taking part in this year’s race under the Muscle Riders banner, contact MDFSA Business Development Manager, Robert Scott at mdfgauteng@mdsa.org.za or on 011 472 9824.