I remember the first media announcement for Johan Botha’s inaugural 24 hour cycling challenge – two or three hacks, some giggles, plastic coffee and a few biscuits with a couple of bits and bobs on them. Fast forward to the fourth consecutive year and we were greeted with a packed President’s Room, multimedia presentation, colour co-ordinated shirts, photographers and media galore. I didn’t stay for the nibbles but they were certainly streets ahead of the first offering.
This is the fourth consecutive year that Chevrolet Warriors and Protea all rounder, Johan Botha, will cycle for charity for 24 hours around the circumference of St Georges Park and the event has grown in leaps and bounds. Botha recently returned to South Africa after representing the Rajastan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in India and leaves today for England where he will be playing county cricket.
Despite his busy cricket schedule Botha, who is also a keen cyclist, finds time to cycle in preparation for his 24 hour cycling challenge. Sponsored by Chevrolet and General Motors South Africa (GMSA), Botha started this initiative four years ago to raise funds for people with special needs. Together with a few dedicated cyclists, Botha last year amassed a distance of 574.5 kilometers, completing 266 laps around St Georges Park in Port Elizabeth which is a distance of 2.16 kilometres.
Asked how he managed to balance the cycling preparation and playing professional cricket, Botha said that if one is dedicated to the purpose there will be time. “I am grateful to my wife, together with the team from the sponsors of the event, General Motors, who so tirelessly organise the event, all I do is cycle,” said a modest Botha.
Botha aims to raise in excess of R200 000 this year which will be donated to three selected charities; Just Inspired, Khanya Youth Development in New Brighton and Masimanye Day Care Centre in Despatch.
Just Inspired is a school campaign which is aimed at completing mini makeovers at 20 local schools in the various townships in the metro. Work has already been done at a number of the schools inspired by Canadian singer/songwriter Justin Hine’s song “Say what you will” which was used to initiate the first school makeover in April 2010
Khanya Youth Development is run by Ms Nokuthula Mtimka and is situated in New Brighton. There are 120 school-going children who are either aids orphans or neglected by parents. Nokuthula feeds them on a daily basis and has educators who give extra classes after school.
Masimanye Day Care Centre in Despatch is run by Erica Ntombela. She takes care and feed 80 school going children and 25 babies.
“I appeal to you for your kind support in order to help me fulfill my mission to assist these charities. Invite your friends and family to come to Axxess DSL St Georges and make a pledge, every little bit helps. Your support in attending the event or making a financial contribution is greatly appreciated,” said Botha.
Donations can be made into the following bank account:
- Bank: ABSA
- Name: Cycle Challenge
- Branch: 511 917 or 632005
- Acc. Number: 9203931968
Kindly fax a proof of payment to Monica on 041 373 6521 or e-mail to mj_botha[@]telkomsa.net.
Alan Straton
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