The 2018 edition of the annual Ride for MRP Foundation was launched on Thursday, September 20.
RIDE WITH PURPOSE: SA Triathlete and Durban Lifeguard, Mhlengi Gwala, and Matthew Wickham from the Cadence Cycling Performance Studio in Westville pictured at the launch for the 2018 Ride for MRP Foundation at CMH Nissan, Durban. PICTURE: ROY ESTERHUYSEN
The 2018 edition of the annual Ride for MRP Foundation was launched on Thursday, September 20, at CMH Nissan Durban, with a brand new Nissan Micra up for grabs, and an ambitious target to exceed R1 million. Arguably one of South Africa’s toughest two day road rides, the Ride for MRP Foundation is the ultimate test of character.
The ninth edition of the annual ride with purpose which has steadily gained momentum, will boast its largest peloton to date, consisting of seventy riders from a diverse range of backgrounds: masters, juniors, women, development riders as well as South African rugby legends, John Smit, Stefan Terblanche and Wayne Fyvie. In addition, this year’s peloton has fifteen female riders, the highest number to date, as well as corporate teams.
Female triathletes Shan Thomson and Lindokuhle Mabika will be tackling the challenge for the first time this year.
“I love the fact that the MRP Foundation has such a challenging event that helps raise funds for the less fortunate of our society. I am very aware that we who have able limbs and no illnesses are so privileged to be able to take part in something like this,” said Thomson.
“I am really keen to do this ride which is definitely going to test my limits whilst raising funds for the youth of South Africa,” added Mabika.
This will also be the first major event for South African triathlete Mhlengi Gwala, since his gruesome attack earlier this year, in which he nearly lost his legs. “Since I am recovering from serious injuries, this year is going to be far more challenging for me. I am training hard to be mentally and physically prepared. I will be strong!” said a determined Gwala, who will be riding for the second time.
The gruelling 606km two-day stage ride from Secunda to Durban, will see courageous cyclists testing their physical and mental capacities, riding with the sole purpose of helping break the cycle of poverty and inequality in South Africa.
Last year’s Ride for MRP Foundation raised just under the R1 million target with R978,000.00 being raised. Funds raised will be channeled into the MRP Foundation’s education and skills development programmes that impact hundreds of thousands of youth. As a youth development organisation the MRP Foundation’s purpose is to empower South Africa’s youth to unlock their full potential.
