Young learner helps bring mountain biking to school
What started as one learner’s letter has now opened the door for cycling at the school, allowing other learners interested in the sport to participate.
The King’s School West Rand (TKSWR) has registered with Schools Cycling South Africa, opening up new options for present and future learners, following a Grade Four learner’s determination to pursue his love of mountain biking.
When Tshimangadzo Billy ‘Junior’ Nanjee joined TKSWR, he was disappointed to discover that his new school did not offer cycling. Having represented his previous school in the sport, he wanted to continue competing under his new school’s name.
Instead of giving up, Junior decided to write a letter to the head of sport, Garth Cruz, asking the school to consider registering with Schools Cycling South Africa so that he could represent the school at races.
Explaining what it was like finding out that the cycling sport was not offered at the current school, Junior said, “I felt disappointed and a little sad because I wouldn’t be able to train at school or represent it at races.”
He further shared that he felt very confident and proud after submitting the letter and hoped the school would support his request.
Cruz said the letter immediately caught his attention.
“The letter came across as a naïve, sweet request. I remember thinking, ‘this boy really loves the sport’,” he said.
After meeting with Junior, Cruz contacted his father to learn more about schools’ cycling before reaching out to Schools Cycling South Africa president Tobias Lubbe for guidance on the registration process.
“He was very helpful and guided me through the process,” said Cruz. “After that, we were registered and signed up.”
The registration means Junior has become the first learner to represent TKSWR in cycling.
Sharing what it was like receiving the news, Junior said, “I felt very happy and excited because I didn’t think they would take me seriously.”
For Cruz, the story highlights the importance of listening to learners. “We should always take the time to listen to their ideas. It doesn’t mean we will always implement them, but listening allows us to reflect,” he said.
He added that the school hopes to grow the sport in the future by inviting more primary and high school learners to participate as the programme becomes established.
Junior said the experience has taught him that anything is possible and that his school has faith in its learners, and he advised other children to follow their dreams.
