17th Cycalive to be held in August
THE CYCALIVE project is on its 17th instalment this year and on 17 August, participants will embark on the annual relay ride from Johannesburg to Durban.
The project is the brainchild of Orchards-based Jewish school, Torah Academy and aims to inspire the spirit of ubuntu.
During the relay, pupils from the school partner with pupils from Moletsane High and Pace Commercial Secondary schools, both from Soweto, and travel for 700km on bicycles to Durban using the R103.
Academy spokesperson, Sue Belling said through the project, the school aims to build bridges and form bonds between young South Africans and their respective communities.
“Many lasting friendships have been forged among the participants over the years,” said Belling.
She added that cyclists from Israel, principals and teachers from the three schools with a support team of medics would be travelling with the teams.
The Steel Wings motorcyclists and the Springs Field Band will be part of the send-off ceremony scheduled to take place at 9am.
Belling said the project was also endorsed by the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
The ceremony will be held at the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory in Houghton and not at the school as has been the norm in previous years. The group will leave Houghton at 10am.
Belling said the move was in line with South Africa celebrating 20 years of democracy.
Among other things, the ride will also highlight the importance of road safety, particularly relating to cyclists, as well as encourage a spirit of adventure, personal challenge and self-confidence in the pupils.
“The boys have prepared care packages, including stationery and refreshments for patients at Newcastle Hospital, and for students with disabilities at Ethembeni School in Hillcrest, KwaZulu-Natal, as well as various rural schools along the way,” said Belling.
She said the cyclists should arrive in Durban on 21 August, and will be welcomed by the Field Band, civic dignitaries and Jewish community leaders.
“They will be escorted by Metro police and will march along the esplanade to the Moses Madiba Stadium. Thereafter, they will be hosted by the Council for KwaZulu-Natal Jewry,” said Belling.
