Diabetes fighters arrive in Cape Town
JOBURG - The cycling teams who participated in the Changing Diabetes Cycle Challenge arrived in Cape Town after a gruelling 1 600km ride which launched at Novo Nordisk offices in Rivonia on 8 November.
With a partnership with the City of Johannesburg, the non-stop Cycle Relay, which runs from Johannesburg to Cape Town, aims to raise funds to buy insulin for the treatment of disadvantaged children living with diabetes, an initiative by founder of Cycle4Diabetes Dr Jacques Van Staden, who cycles to raise sufficient funds to provide disadvantaged children with the insulin they require to manage their condition. The event is also used to raise awareness about the importance of a healthy, active lifestyle.
“An event like this enables us to raise money for a worthy cause and also to spread the message about the benefits of healthy living,” said general manager of Novo Nordisk Dr Timmy Kedijang.
He added,“The important thing to remember is that physical activity does not have to be a rigorous workout in the gym. Regular, enjoyable exercise like walking, cycling or skateboarding has enormous health benefits, and it’s fun too.”
Mayor of the City of Johannesburg Parks Tau said, “The City of Johannesburg has identified non-communicable diseases which we wish to confront in our communities. We are conscious that non-communicable diseases such as diabetes are the leading cause of premature death and we need to create awareness because ultimately it is in our hands.”
