Mams bike ride in fight against drugs
The 6km cycling day went from Thandanani Drop Inn Centre to Moretele Park and back to the centre.
A local non-profit organisation that helps people with substance abuse problems recently held its quarterly sports and cycling day event in Mamelodi.
The event, held on August 13, was organised by the Thandanani Drop Inn centre and was aimed at young primary school kids.
“We want to encourage the youth to take up sports instead of drugs,” said centre spokesperson Thabo Kgotsi.
“Mamelodi has a lot of talent but it goes to waste because of drugs and substance abuse. This has led to people being homeless after they were chased away or ran away from their homes.”
The event was attended by parents, youths, ex-drug users, children and homeless people.
“We invited community members who have bicycles and divided them into two groups according to their ages,” said Kgotsi.
The first group cycled 6km from Thandanani Drop Inn Centre to Moretele Park and back to the centre and then it was the other group’s turn to cycle the same route.
“Cycling is healthy and good for the environment. It is a great way for children to spend their leisure time. We want to see learners in Mamelodi and Nellmapius start taking bicycles to school instead of walking such long distances,” said Kgotsi.
The centre is helping ex-drug users in Mamelodi reclaim their lives from nyaope.
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It also runs a narcotics anonymous programme – a drug addict recovery programme that helps users reunite with their families.
The programme started three years ago.
Motivational speakers also encouraged the children to keep themselves busy by participating in various sports to unleash their inner talent.
The event ended with participants playing different sports and games. Needy families also received food parcels.
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