Aitsa and Prochorus set to shine at Origin Of Trails

Seen here:  The children from the Aitsa After Care Centre with their mountain biking coach, Bianca Grobbelaar.
Seen here:  The children from the Aitsa After Care Centre with their mountain biking coach, Bianca Grobbelaar.

The organisers of South Africa’s premier 2-day MTB Experience, the Origin Of Trails MTB Experience are proud to continue supporting the Aitsa After Care Centre and Prochorus at the 2018 event that will take place in Stellenbosch on Saturday, 24 and Sunday, 25 November 2018.

Founded in 2014 the Aitsa After Care Centre strives to expose children to fun activities and programs in an alternative home environment where they feel loved and special.

“We offer meals, sport, chess, choir, drama, e-learning, mathematics, reading programmes, homework assistance, counselling, parent support groups and life skills training to name just a few,” says Marietjie Steyn, Aitsa After Care Centre Founder/Director.  “It is such a privilege to be involved with the Origin Of Trails.  The route goes through our valley, where the parents work and children go to school.  It makes sense for the two entities to take hands and make a difference.”

“By being involved with the Origin Of Trails we gain exposure to a larger audience,” continues Steyn.  “On entering the 2018 event riders can choose to support the Aitsa After Care Centre.  This year each entrant will receive an Aitsa Armband in their race pack.  The armband was beaded by local Stellenbosch ladies and has an invitation attached for riders to sponsor a child in the Aitsa programme.  Exciting news from our side is that we have started an Aitsa mountain bike initiative that includes 20 children.  We would love to bring them to the event to be inspired and to dream about their future and the endless possibilities.” 

Riders wanting to support the Aitsa After Care Centre can do so by either making a donation when entering the 2018 event or by supporting their sponsor a child programme for R300 per month.  For more information visit www.aitsa.org

Started in 1996, Prochorus is a community-based organisation that offers sustainable programmes to ensure that every person has the opportunity to reach their full potential socially, spiritually, intellectually, physically and emotionally. Through its various programmes, Prochorus journeys with individuals, families and communities from pre-school, right through their educational pathway during school years, supporting the poorest and vulnerable towards an interdependent and sustainable future.

“We are proud to be involved with Origin Of Trails,” says Jan Scannell, Prochorus Managing Director.  “Our Jonkershoek development cycling project beneficiaries will participate both in the mountain bike experience and trail run.  The event allows the children to be part of something big, and gives them the opportunity to dream of things possible, which they might not have seen in the past. Our riders and runners will get to test their strength and various skills learned on and off the bike. The social engagement with other participants is important as a bridge builder on many levels. It improves their social skills and confidence in general.”

Riders wanting to volunteer their skill and join in on training rides to help build the lives of these youngsters can contact Jan Scannell directly via [email protected]  For more information on Prochorus visit www.prochorus.org

An additional way to support both the Aitsa After Care Centre and Prochorus is through product donations.  There will be an Aitsa After Care Centre bin at registration where children’s second hand bicycles, cycling clothes, gloves and gear can be dropped off, while cycling equipment and/or bicycle donations for Prochorus can be dropped at Flandria Cycles in Stellenbosch.

EVENT INFORMATION

Date:    Saturday, 24 November 2018 

Venue: Coetzenburg Sports Fields (Stellenbosch)
Event: Stage One / Origin Of Trails MTB Experience
Start Time: 07:00 – Long Route / +- 55km
  07:40 – Short Route / +- 30km
  08:20 – Fun Ride / +- 10km

 Date:  Sunday, 25 November 2018 

Venue: Coetzenburg Sports Fields (Stellenbosch)
Event: Origin Of Trails Trail Run
  12km – 15km (Long) / R150
  5km (Short) / R100
Start Time: 06:45
   
Event: Stage Two / Origin Of Trails MTB Experience
Start Time: 07:00 – Long Route / +- 55km
  07:40 – Short Route / +- 30km

SPECIALIZED BIKE up for grabs:  One lucky Origin Of Trails MTB Experience rider will take home an awesome Specialized Stumpjumper FSR ST to the value of R30 000 the weekend of Saturday, 24 and Sunday, 25 November 2018 compliments of the event’s bicycle partner.  We will post a riddle to social media.  If correctly solved, riders will know where to take a photograph on route during Day 1.  These photographs need to be shared to Instagram.  Don’t forget to tag @specializedza.  The winner will be announced during prize giving after Day Two.

WIN with Aramex SA:  Aramex SA, the courier partner of the 2018 event, will give away a prize to the whopping value of R5000.  To stand a chance to win, Origin Of Trails MTB Experience long and short route riders will receive an armband with perforated bike number when they collect their race packs from the Coetzenburg Sports Field (opposite the netball courts) on Friday, 23 November 2018 (between 12:00 – 18:00) and on Saturday, 24 November 2018 (between 05h30 – 06h00).  The perforated bike number needs to be placed in the Aramex box that will be stationed somewhere on the Stage One route.  Keep a look out!

FALKE Foot ZoneAll entrants (runners and mountain bikers) are invited to visit the Falke Foot Zone once they’ve crossed the finish line for a free Falke leg and foot massage.  All riders taking on the Origin Of Trails MTB Experience long and short route will receive a pair of Falke socks in their race packs.

RUNNER’S RESTThe team from Runner’s Rest will be in action at the 2018 Origin Of Trails MTB Experience and Origin Of Trails Trail Run (Friday to Sunday).  Runners Rest is a Specialist Running store that focuses on catering for the individual needs of runners.  Services include performing a well-developed analysis routine through which numerous factors are considered including running form, balance characteristics, history of injuries, training terrain and personal distance goals.  Runner’s Rest strives to match the correct product to each client’s specific needs. Be sure to visit the Runner’s Rest Stand for a Free Foot Analysis!

Best Dressed CompetitionOne lucky rider will win his/her weight in beer with Flying Fish Chill Lite.  All that you need to do is “dress to impress” on Saturday, 24 November 2018.  The rider with the most memorable outfit will be announced during Prize Giving on Sunday, 25 November 2018. 

LIVE MUSICCelebrating its 6th anniversary in Stellenbosch on Saturday, 24 and Sunday, 25 November 2018 the Origin Of Trails MTB Experience will boast live performances by two prominent South African bands:  BrotherBrother (on Saturday) and Stone Jets (on Sunday).

Like our Facebook page:  Stillwater MTB Events

Follow us on Twitter:  @OriginOfTrails

For more information or to enter the Origin Of Trails Trail Run and/or Origin Of Trails MTB Experience please visit www.stillwatersports.com, contact Stillwater Sports on 082 991 0045 or email [email protected]

ISSUED BY:                                   Newsport Media

ON BEHALF OF:                          Stillwater Sports