Calling all cyclists, runners, joggers and walkers! Make a difference in the lives of unemployed youth by signing up for the JumpStart Challenge.

Presented by Mr Price Foundation, the JumpStart Challenge is a fundraising sports event. Every rand raised goes directly to the Foundation’s JumpStart skills development programme, to empower young South Africans with skills for the retail world.

Participants can join the JumpStart Challenge virtually, anywhere in the world, from March 12 to 20. The physical event will be hosted at Holla Trails in Sugar Rush Park, Ballito, over this period. Sunday 13 March is the big day at Holla Trails. The park will be open from 6am to 6pm and a fan-park experience is anticipated.

This is an exciting opportunity to raise funds for South Africa’s youth while doing something you love. Jump on board and set your own fundraising goals. Challenge others in your networks to do the same. A bit of healthy competition is a great motivator,” said Head of Mr Price Foundation Karen Wells.

Many South African sporting heroes have already pledged their support to the JumpStart Challenge, including para-surfer David Williams, former junior Springbok Cedric Mkhize, SA Rugby Legend Jeremy Thomson; as well as JumpStart Challenge ambassador Chiara Benati. Ballito’s Fun Tribe and Maxed Elite Running Club are also championing the Challenge, and have accepted the Challenge.

JumpStart Challenge categories:

• Virtual Run or Walk: 3km, 7km, 15km
• Virtual Ride: 15km,50km, 100km
• Physical Run or Walk at Holla Trails: 3.3km, 8.5km, 14km
• Physical MTB Ride at Holla Trails: 15km, 50km, 95km

SPAR and Mr Price Sport have partnered with the Foundation to bring this event to life; and to make an impact on the high levels of youth unemployment in South Africa.

It’s estimated that 9,4 million youth aged 15 to 34 are not in employment, education or training, according to Stats SA’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey Quarter3: 2021.

“Millions of youth have given up hope of finding a job or furthering their training. MrPrice Foundation is committed to our youth. By developing their skills through JumpStart, we can unlock their career potential and employability. This gives them a greater opportunity to break the cycle of poverty and inequality,” said Karen.

To enter click here.

Entry fees:

• R99pp to ride, run/walk the Challenge virtually.
• R140 to ride, R120 to run at Holla Trails, including permits.
• $10 for international virtual entries

For more on JumpStart programmes, click here.