Charities pay it forward at Amashova

THE Tsogo Sun Amashova Durban Classic supports a number of charities every year by encouraging cyclists entering any of the races to ride for a preferred charity.

If you want to support a worthy charity and have not yet found a cause close to your heart, there are a number of charities that would love you to get on board to pedal for them and in doing so raise funds.

Some of the charities that have confirmed their participation in this year’s event are Jessica’s Friends, which consists of a group of very enthusiastic and motivated individuals who cycle to fundraise to ‘pay it forward’ to special needs children whose family’s need assistance in lightening the financial strain incurred by their illness, for therapy, medicine, nappies and medical equipment not covered by medical aid. They see these children as Jessica’s friends, who keep little seven-year-old Jessica’s legacy alive and this year, Jessica’s Friends have chosen “Little Eden” as their chosen beneficiary.

Cycling for MS (Multiple Sclerosis) is another charity being highlighted by the event this year. This is run by a group of ordinary people led and inspired by an extraordinary man who himself has MS, Oliver Sinclair. Once a year they get together and ride to raise awareness and funds for those with MS in KZN.

Then there is The Tsogo Sun Amashova Road Safety Bike Park project which aims to educate children about becoming the future’s responsible road users, by teaching them the rules of the road in a practical manner using bikes on a specially designed track that incorporates all aspects of road design they may encounter while using the roads.

However, if organ donation is something you are passionate about, you can support The Organ Donor Foundation which aims to educate and inform the public about the life-saving benefits of organ donation.

With one of the most important features of the Tsogo Sun Amashova being that of cyclist’s safety, it is for this reason the team has secured full road closures for all events.

Keeping in line with cyclist safety, The Pedal Power Association, which is a public benefit organisation committed to promote cycling and the interests of cyclists, recently launched the new campaign, Stay Wider of the Rider, in February. This campaign aims to create maximum awareness among all road users, especially motorists, which hopes to lead to safer roads for all cyclists. You can pledge your support for the PPA Safe Cycling campaign by riding in their jersey this year and help educate motorists to help prevent the loss of precious lives on our roads.

If you would like to ride for any of the above charities, email melissa@amashova.co.za