Virtual Challenge raises Covid-19 relief funds
"Instead of just postponing to 2021, we found a new way to address the pain that people are experiencing in this time," commented Ride4Hope Foundation chairperson, Thabo Leeuw.
Saturday, 1 August saw the Nelson Mandela Covid-19 Relief Virtual Challenge take place – not only in various stadiums around the province, but in the homes of hundreds of riders across the world who supported the initiative.
The country’s biggest sports stars and celebrities gathered at Ellis Park Stadium, Loftus Stadium and the Nelson Mandela Foundation to raise their heart rates and raise awareness about the Covid-19 pandemic.
Members of the public were invited to ‘join hands’ with their sporting heroes in the virtual world and ride in solidarity in allocated time slots on the Zwift app.
While funds will continue to be raised until the end of August, a total of R2,6 million has already been donated through this initiative towards the Nelson Mandela Foundation’s Each One Feed One campaign.
“Around this time of year, we usually host the Nelson Mandela Legacy Ride4Hope – an event that uses cycling as a platform to raise funds for those in desperate need.” While that event was no longer possible this year, our purpose to reach out to South Africans in need remained.
“Instead of just postponing to 2021, we found a new way to address the pain that people are experiencing in this time,” commented Ride4Hope Foundation chairperson, Thabo Leeuw.
Among those who supported the event were sporting personnel from the Emirates Lions, Vodacom Bulls, Imperial Lions Cricket, Momentum Multiply Titans Cricket, Nedbank Running club and FXTM Cycling Team.
Celebrities cycling for the cause included television presenter Masego Maps Maponyane, retired football star Brian Baloyi, and Sello Hatang, Nelson Mandela Foundation CEO.
Comrades Marathon winner Gerda Steyn showed her support all the way from France by being the stand-out athlete on the day.
“It’s such an honour to be able to carry Nelson Mandela’s message of coming together through sport.”Being a part of something like this goes far beyond just one athlete; it’s about bringing together an entire country and carrying the message to the rest of the world,” said Gerda.
