Cyclists urged to join the JumpStart Challenge

The call has been made to all cyclists, runners, joggers and walkers to 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, and the funds raised will go directly to the Foundation’s JumpStart skills development programme to empower young South Africans with skills for the retail world.

Participants can join the 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 while Sunday, March 13 will mark the big day at Holla Trails.

According to the organisers, the park will be open from 06:00 to 18:00, 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 while challenging others in your networks to do the same.

“A bit of healthy competition is a great motivator,” said head of the 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.

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 Quarter 3: 2021.

“Millions of youth have given up hope of finding a job or furthering their training.

“Mr Price Foundation is committed to our youth, and 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 Wells.

Enter online at https://jumpstartchallenge.org/.

Entry fees: R99 per person to ride, run/ walk the Challenge virtually; and R140 to ride, R120 to run at Holla Trails, including permits; $10 for international virtual entries.

For more information on JumpStart programmes the public is advised to go to https://mrpricefoundation.org/wp content/uploads/2021/12/JumpStart_programme_curriculums_doc.pdf.