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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\u2019s times.<\/p>\n
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\u201cPedal Project\u2019s programme uses positive youth development and experience to positively influence our participant’s social and emotional learning,\u201d says Jaco van der Linde, Pedal Project Executive Director. \u201cWe currently have 49 children in our programme. They are all from Khayelitsha and their ages range from between 10 and 13. Through\u00a0our Trail Therapy\u00a0(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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u201cThe Fedhealth MTB Challenge is close to where the children usually ride, so it\u2019s familiar territory,\u201d continues van der Linde. \u201cIt\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Yem, a 12-year-old Pedal Project member who has entered the Fedhealth MTB Challenge Kids Events, says: \u201cI am very happy to go to the race. I feel so special to be able to ride the\u00a0bicycle. 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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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<\/em>: <\/em>https:\/\/www.givengain.com\/cc\/building-more-stoke-for-yem\/<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Another 12-year-old Pedal Project member, Moose is just as excited to enter the Fedhealth MTB Challenge Kids Events. \u201cI 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.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n EVENT INFORMATION<\/u><\/strong>:\u00a0 <\/strong>2022 Fedhealth MTB Challenge<\/p>\n Saturday, 10 September 2022<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n