The DHL Stormers joined the 24-hour VUSA Cycle Challenge, adding excitement and raising funds for the VUSA Rugby & Learning Academy. With over 800 participants pedaling non-stop, the event has raised over R1 million.
More than 800 learners, parents and school teachers pedalled for 24 hours to raise R1 million for the VUSA Rugby & Learning Academy in Langa at the fourth annual VUSA Cycle Challenge sponsored by Investec.
Bishops Diocesan College’s annual event kicked off at the Rondebosch school on August 25 at 9am to the sounds of the Bishops Junior Marimbas with the first of four Virgin Active instructor-led sessions. The non-stop action continued until 9am the following morning, with participants cycling their hearts out around the clock to support the worthy cause of supporting VUSA’s programmes which operate at four registered Early Childhood Development Centres five primary schools and a structured after-school programmes.
For the first time, learners from Western Province Preparatory School, Westerford High School, Herschel Girls, St Cyprians, Rondebosch Boys High and Rustenberg Girls High joined in pedalling for a good cause.
“VUSA provides afterschool, numeracy, literacy and coding support for children, nutrition, recreational activities and a grassroots rugby initiative which has both educational and recreational benefits for local children,” said Brendan Fogarty, VUSA’s Executive Director, who did a marathon effort of riding for 12 of the 24 hours to demonstrate his commitment and passion for the cause. “It was a tough but wonderful experience cycling the 12 hours. Our VUSA children deserve more opportunities to develop into the full potential, and their smiling faces we see daily made the pedalling worthwhile.”
Investec has sponsored the VUSA Cycle Challenge for the past three years, and has extended its support for the Academy with an after-school maths programme for 200 children aged seven to 14.
“Investing in educational initiatives is one of our priorities as we believe it is the most effective way to foster employment, wealth creation, and socio-economic growth in South Africa,” said Jerome Passmore, regional head of Investec Private Banking. “Congratulations to VUSA on the marathon effort in raising over R1 200 000 to continue the incredible work they do in the Langa community.”
With a magician show, a visit from members of The Stormers, live music and DJ sets, the daytime hours were action-filled, while a silent disco from 11pm to 5am kept cycle challenge participants motivated to keep cranking.
Principal of Bishops Diocesan College, Tony Reeler, said the VUSA Cycle Challenge instilled a sense of community and responsibility among learners. “I am incredibly proud to see our pupils, alumni, and community come together for the Cycle Challenge. This event not only showcases the physical endurance and team spirit of our boys but also emphasises our commitment to uplifting the broader community. This annual event is a testament to the power of collaboration, demonstrating how we can make a real impact in the lives of those we serve through VUSA. It’s inspiring to witness our boys take on this Challenge and actively contribute to this wonderful programme. The commitment to serve others is something that we strive to instil at Bishops.”
Recipient of the prestigious Ackerman Award for service to others, Luke Carter (Grade 11), captured the essence of the event with his words: “The VUSA Cycle Challenge reminds us that, even as schoolboys, we have the power to create a lasting impact. When we come together as the Bishops community, we can truly uplift others and contribute to building a stronger, more unified society, proving that age is no barrier to making a meaningful difference.”
Fogarty said he was incredibly proud of upholding the goal of raising R1-million and thanked everyone that participated, “whether they rode for 15 minutes or 1.5 hours – it is this energy and determination which makes this event a success and helps us to change the lives of the children of Langa for the forthcoming year”.
The fundraising event will benefit 1 400 youngsters from Langa in the coming months, with funds being used to build a library and a music and art centre.
