Several learners from Pedal Project are excited to take on the Fedhealth MTB Challenge at Blaauwklippen Wine Estate, Stellenbosch on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September 2022.
Pedal Project was founded in late 2020 to help children in under-resourced communities around Cape Town experience a community focused on exposing them to a safe, inclusive environment. By combining the challenging, physical nature of mountain biking with a specialised programme run by qualified and experienced mentors, Pedal Project aims to equip children between the ages of 10 and 13 with tools and support to overcome mental and societal issues so prevalent in today’s times.
“Pedal Project’s programme uses positive youth development and experience to positively influence our participant’s social and emotional learning,” says Jaco van der Linde, Pedal Project Executive Director. “We currently have 49 children in our programme. They are all from Khayelitsha and their ages range from between 10 and 13. Through our Trail Therapy (Mountain Biking, Mentorship and Mindfulness) we equipped the children to face their daily mountains/challenges that they may encounter at home and/or at school.”
“The Fedhealth MTB Challenge is close to where the children usually ride, so it’s familiar territory,” continues van der Linde. “It’s also another opportunity to expose the children to the fantastic realm of mountain biking. It will allow them to gain more experience and confidence in their capabilities. Before joining our programme, the majority of our children had never ridden a mountain bike on trails. The Fedhealth MTB Challenge will give the children the opportunity to apply what they have learned so far in a slightly competitive environment. It is, however, all about having fun, accepting new opportunities, seeing new people, and connecting with other children on the day.”
Yem, a 12-year-old Pedal Project member who has entered the Fedhealth MTB Challenge Kids Events, says: “I am very happy to go to the race. I feel so special to be able to ride the bicycle. It is a happy place for me when I ride, and I feel blessed to be able to ride a bike despite all the challenges that I face.”
Pedal Project is raising funds to provide Yem with a right-hand prosthesis that will change his life on and off the bike. For more information and/or to show support please visit: https://www.givengain.com/cc/building-more-stoke-for-yem/
Another 12-year-old Pedal Project member, Moose is just as excited to enter the Fedhealth MTB Challenge Kids Events. “I am very excited to enter my first race. I am grateful for the opportunity. I feel blessed to be able to ride a bicycle in these beautiful areas.”
EVENT INFORMATION: 2022 Fedhealth MTB Challenge
Saturday, 10 September 2022
| Venue: | Blaauwklippen Wine Estate, Stellenbosch |
| Event: | 15km Fedhealth MTB Challenge (Fun Ride) |
| Start Time: 08:00 | |
| Entry Fee: R200.00 | |
| Event & Time: | Fedhealth MTB Challenge Kids Events: not timed · 500m / 1 – 5 years of age / 10:00 · 1.5km / 6 – 9 years of age / 10:30 · 5km / 10 – 13 years of age / 11:00 |
| Start Time: 10:00 | |
| Entry Fee: R100.00 |
Sunday, 11 September 2022
| Venue: | Blaauwklippen Wine Estate, Stellenbosch |
| Event: | +- 60km Fedhealth MTB Challenge (Marathon) |
| Time: | 08:00 |
| Entry Fee: | R450.00 per rider (excludes CSA License) |
| Event: | +-30km Fedhealth MTB Challenge (Half Marathon) |
| Time: | 08:30 |
| Entry Fee: | R350.00 per rider (excludes CSA License) |
| CSA Temp Licence: | R60.00 |
| Entries Open: | Wednesday 04 May 2022 |
| Entries Close: | Tuesday 06 September 2022 |
The entry fee includes:
· an exclusive technical event t-shirt (Fedhealth Kids MTB Events included)
· medals will be awarded to all finishers
FREE ENTRY: Fedhealth members can enter free of charge – simply by typing in their membership number when entering online!
CHARITY SUPPORT: The 2022 Fedhealth MTB Challenge proudly supports The Kindness Collaboration Project. When entering the event online mountain bikers can show their support by donating towards the cause. To find out more about the project visit https://www.stillwatersports.com/news/fedhealth-mtb-challenge-proudly-supports-the-kindness-collaboration-project/
PRIZE PURSE: The 2022 Fedhealth MTB Challenge Marathon (+- 60km) will boast a R30 000 Prize Purse. The male and female winners will take home R7000.00 each, while runners up will take home R5000.00 with the third-place finishers securing R3000.00 each.
Facebook: Fedhealth Medical Aid / Stillwater MTB Events
Instagram: @fedhealthmed / @stillwater_mtb_events
Website: www.stillwatersports.com
For more information and/or to enter the 2022 Fedhealth MTB Challenge visit www.stillwatersports.com or email entries@stillwatersports.com
