Cycling to raise funds and awareness for children with cancer
"My sister's guidance is my biggest support, I feel her spirit with me always."
Saturday, November 13 saw 11-year-old Vikeshlyn Govender take part in the 947 Ride Joburg, hosted by The City of Johannesburg to raise money for children with cancer.
According to the organisers of the iconic race, 947 Ride Joburg is more than just a cycle race, it’s a platform for people to accomplish something great.
The Weltevreden Park Primary School Grade 6 learner started off right at the back of the group to ensure that he did not get lost in the crowd.
He cycled the 947 Ride Joburg for the third time this year having made his debut in 2019 with a 5km kiddies race. This year he proudly finished the 10km MTB race.
Vikeshlyn has done two other races to raise funds and awareness for children with cancer – the Mandela Day Challenge at his school in 2019, and the Ride for Sarcoma in 2020.
“The race was so much fun yet tiring; the off-roading was my favourite part of the race while the mountain bike trail was very scenic and filled with uphills that provided an exciting adventure.
“I am not a cyclist. Pure determination to honour my sister, and to raise funds and awareness for children with cancer kept me going.
“It was a personal goal for me to accomplish as I have never cycled more than 10km before,” said Vikeshlyn.
Vikeshlyn’s sister, Shanaya Govender died from a rare form of cancer called Ewing’s Sarcoma on May 16, 2019.
Rainbows and Smiles, a non-profit foundation that supports children with cancer, has assisted the Govender family when their daughter was sick.
Vikeshlyn revealed to the Northsider that he would always see posts about Bonita Suckling cycling to raise funds and awareness for children with cancer, and when his school announced a cycle challenge for Mandela Day in 2019 he did not hesitate to join.
“I was so inspired by Bonita that I asked my parents if I could enter and try to raise funds for Rainbows and Smiles.
“My sister’s guidance is my biggest support, I feel her spirit with me always. My support system has many people who love and support me dearly,” said Vikeshlyn.
