Learners from Prochorus Community Development and the Aitsa! After Care Centre are eagerly counting down the days to the 6th annual Fedhealth MTB Challenge that will take place at the beautiful Blaauwklippen Wine Estate on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 September 2021.
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.
“Our cycling team is properly starved for competition,” says Jan Scannell, Prochorus Managing Director. “The pandemic has impacted us in various ways. With regard to our development cyclists, our training regime has continuously been interrupted by the multiple lockdown regulations and event cancellations. Our home base, which is Jonkershoek, has also experienced a severe fire and regular flooding, indirectly causing additional interruptions to training. We are thankful for the entries that have been allocated to us by the organisers of the Fedhealth MTB Challenge. Events like these are a highlight for our team. It motivates the learners to train and opens their eyes to the possibilities within the cycling industry, thus widening their boundaries. The event will also allow the team’s relationships to deepen by providing us with the opportunity to have fun together in a different environment.”
Scannell adds: “There are many practical ways in which people can support Prochorus. Cyclists can join the team on cycling rides and possibly share their knowledge and skill. They can also assist in hosting mechanic workshops or volunteer at the aftercare centre in Jonkershoek. Computer skills and maintenance is always in demand, while various forms of building maintenance are also often needed. People can donate unwanted cycling goods by either handing it in at Flandria Cycles in Stellenbosch or by contacting me, and then obviously cash donations are always welcome.” For more information or to offer your support visit https://www.prochorus.org/ or email jan@prochorus.org
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.
“Children are at the heart of Aitsa!,” says Kirsty Newby, Aitsa! Sports Facilitator. “So many of our children come out of vulnerable families and Aitsa! is their safe space. Being able to expose our learners to an MTB event such as the Fedhealth MTB Challenge means the world to us. It’s a privilege to be able to take them out of their circumstances, albeit just for a day, and give them an opportunity to DREAM again! This event also stirs up passion and dreams for each learner, while giving them the opportunity to “showcase” their talents and test out the skills that they have been practicing weekly during MTB practice.”
“We welcome support from the community,” continues Newby. “Financial contributions, sport equipment and educational material are always needed, but we also really appreciate “time”. Supporters can volunteer as a coach, sport volunteer, tutor, educational volunteer or even an arts and culture volunteer. Our learners will be over the moon to be able to make new friends.” For more information or to offer your support visit www.aitsa.org or email info@aitsa.org
EVENT INFORMATION: 2021 Fedhealth MTB Challenge
Saturday 11 September 2021
Venue: Blaauwklippen Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
Event: 15km Fedhealth MTB Challenge (Fun Ride)
Time: 08:00
Entry Fee: R195.00 per rider
Event & Time: Fedhealth MTB Challenge Kids Event: 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
Entry Fee: R100.00
Sunday 12 September 2021
Venue: Blaauwklippen Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
Event: +- 58km Fedhealth MTB Challenge (Marathon)
Time: 08:00
Entry Fee: R425.00 per rider (excludes CSA License)
Event: +-28km Fedhealth MTB Challenge (Half Marathon)
Time: 08:45
Entry Fee: R325.00 per rider (excludes CSA License)
FREE ENTRY: Fedhealth members can enter free of charge – simply by typing in their membership number when entering online!
EXCITING NEWS: All entrants will receive an exclusive event t-shirt (Fedhealth MTB Challenge Kids Event included), a bottle of THIRSTI Isofit+ and medals will be awarded to all finishers!
Sensational SPONSOR PRIZES up for grabs will include:
? a R30 000 Specialized Voucher to spend at any Specialize Store
? THIRSTI prize hampers for the top three overall finishers (male and female) in the Marathon, Half Marathon and Fun Ride.
? x5 Hampers compliments of RIALTO Foods
? Beet It Sport Discount Voucher
PRIZE PURSE: The 6th annual Fedhealth MTB Challenge boasts a whopping R30 000 prize purse for the Marathon (+-60km). The Overall Men’s and Women’s winners will each take home R5000, with R3000 going to second place and R2000 to third place. A percentage of the prize purse will also be allocated to the top three finishers in the following categories: Senior Men and Women, Sub Vet Men and Women, Vet Men and Women, Master Men and Women and Grandmaster Men and Women. To view the Prize Purse Breakdown visit: https://www.stillwatersports.com/fedhealth-mtb-challenge-prize-purse/
CHARITY SUPPORT: The Fedhealth MTB Challenge proudly supports The Kindness Collaboration. Founded by Fedhealth and Operation Healing Hands (OHH), The Kindness Collaboration focuses on supporting South Africans who cannot afford quality medical care. Mountain bikers can make a donation towards the cause when entering the event online. For more information or to make a direct donation towards The Kindness Collaboration visit https://www.fedhealth.co.za/kindness-collaboration/
Facebook: Prochorus Community Development / Fedhealth Medical Aid / Stillwater MTB Events
Instagram: @prochoruscd / @fedhealthmed / @stillwater_mtb_events
For more information or to enter the Fedhealth MTB Challenge, contact Stillwater Sports on 082 991 0045, email entries@stillwatersports.com or visit www.stillwatersports.com
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