New cycling academy shows its tricks
Resident Thato Sibanda started a cycling academy earlier this year which has since grown to be very popular in the Mohlakeng community.
Never Give Up Cycling Academy is one of a kind.
Founded by the 46-year-old Thato Sibanda in January, the academy aims to help the youth showcase not only their talents on two wheels but also keep them active. The academy has since grown very popular in the Mohlakeng community with Thato saying that he currently supervises more than 100 children.
According to Thato, he started fixing the community’s bicycles when he realised that there was a need for this sort of sport. It was then that he decided to rather help children achieve their goals with their bicycles. He initially wanted to help disabled children in particular.
“The biggest inspiration for establishing this academy came from seeing a blind boy riding his bicycle. I noticed that even though the boy was visually impaired, he was still doing what he loved and he was fighting against the stigma. With the establishment of this academy, I wanted people to see that when we ride, we are all the same,” he explained.
Members of the academy are taught to fix and customise their bicycles not to mention show off new tricks.
Thato plans to start a girls and boys team in 2025. However, in order to make that possible he would need help. He explained the academy is dependent on donations. To make his dreams a reality, he also needs more mentors to assist him with the academy.
The academy will be hosting a competition in the Usave parking lot on December 15.
If anyone is interested, contact Thato on 065 647 7655.
