Devoted coach brightens cycle academy to keep youth’s future on track
GO!Durban Cycle Academy provides free cycling training, academic support and life skills opportunities to young people.
GO!DURBAN Cycle Academy coach, Ayanda Cele is a man of many talents. Cele recently painted a bright beautiful mural on the side of the academy’s classroom in KwaDabeka.
Launched in 2016, the academy is a joint initiative between the eThekwini Transport Authority and the Green Corridors NPC. It provides free cycling training, academic support and life skills opportunities to youth in Inanda, Chesterville, KwaDabeka and KwaMashu.
It is the largest cycling development programme in South Africa and currently has 400 beneficiaries between six to 18 years old. Its primary objective is to offer recreational cycling at a grassroots level and talented riders are selected to participate in provincial and national events based on both technical ability and academic results.
The 33-year-old said he studied fine arts but did not finish the course due to the lack funds.
“I was happy when I was asked to revive this classroom, painting is one of my skills and I used this opportunity to showcase the beauty of this place. The mural reflects everything that is found in these premises,” he said.
Cele said it took him about two weeks to paint the mural, “I used my free time in the mornings before training,”
The KwaDabeka resident was hired as a coach in 2016.
“I have always been an avid cycler, even though I was not part of any academy, I have always loved and enjoyed cycling from an early age. To be able to teach the children from my neighbourhood was a chance for me to give back to the community and this academy helps children stay away from the streets and bad habits,” he said.
Cele encouraged children to take up cycling as there are plenty of wonderful opportunities.
“Our cyclists gets an opportunity to travel, socialise and they get wonderful studying opportunities after matric if they do well in their academics,” said Cele.
He added that cycling is also an exercise, “It helps them stay fit and healthy,” he said.
The young cyclists at the KwaDabeka academy train on weekdays and Saturday.
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