SA Guide-Dogs team ready for upcoming Ride 947 challenge

A diverse group of cyclists hope to make their mark during the Ride 97 Cycle Challenge for the South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind on November 21.

The cycling team for the Guide Dogs are gearing up to raise funds from their supporters and help reach the target of R100 000. The funds will go toward sponsoring a litter born closest to the day of the race as part of the Litter Legends Programme.

Yolande van Rooyen, events manager for the association, said it is an immense honour to have dedicated and inspiring people as part of team Guide Dogs as there will be over 30 cyclists riding for the organisation.

“In a time where so many of us are feeling hopeless due to the effects that Covid-19 have had on our lives, it is inspiring to hear the testimonials from our cyclists. Among our amazing group of cyclists, we have three guide-dogs owners who will cycle in tandem with wonderful volunteers to keep them on course,” she said.
Johannes and Jessica Grib, also guide-dogs owners, said the main aim of the day was to raise much-needed funds for the association.

“People seem to think as a disabled person I have a huge support system but the truth is that I’m very independent and enjoy doing things myself, including cooking. I always get this question, ‘You are blind so your other senses must be perfect?’, then I say no, I cannot hear, I can show you by taking out my hearing aids.

“People can see that I am blind, but the deafness is an invisible disability with symptoms that everyone interpret differently,” Jessica said with regard to her disability.

Paralympic athlete, Louzanne Coetzee (28), will also be riding tandem for the Guide Dogs. She said she wanted to give back to the organisation that had done so much for her. “My guide dog is a part of my daily life.
“She means a lot to me, gives me independence and is a comforting friend to me. I am getting my second dog soon.”

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