The JumpStart Challenge kicked off with a fun day at Holla Trails on 13 March. © Mr Price Foundation / Tim Lubbe
RESPONDING to the call to do good, cyclists, runners and walkers young and old headed to the beautiful Holla Trails in Sugar Rush Park, Ballito, on Sunday 13 March for the launch of the JumpStart Challenge.
“I’m blown away by the turnout today; and by the camaraderie and support along the route with people cheering on each other. That’s what JumpStart is about: giving each other a helping hand, particularly the youth of SA,” said Mr Price Foundation head Karen Wells, who completed the 3.3km walk with her family in the searing heat.
“The physical launch was at Holla Trails today but the Challenge is still open to anybody virtually in SA and around the world until 20 March. I encourage people to sign up for the virtual event,” said Wells.
Over 9 million youth are currently unemployed in SA. Every R99 entry fee goes a long way to help unemployed youth gain valuable retail skills through the Foundation’s JumpStart programme.
Among the high-profile cyclists to tackle the Holla Trails routes were Holla Trails manager Jasper van Vessem, Go Durban head coach Siyabonga Njiva, and cycling champs and high performances coaches Andrew Hill and Ty White.
“Having events like this come back is unbelievable. To give back as an athlete is an amazing feeling. It gives that next level to what we are doing on the bike. As an athlete, you live in a bubble and forget that life carries on and there are real issues and real people around you that need help. This event is exactly what we need,” said Hill.
The physical Challenge at Holla Trails also attracted runners from the Maxed Elite Running Club and the Ballito FunTribe; while families with children, prams and furry friends joined the walk.
SA Rugby Legend Jeremy Thomson smashed the 8.5km run. “It’s incredible to be here. You can feel the positive energy. There is that feeling of hope: hope that things will return to normal after COVID-19 and everyone will get back under our blue skies on weekends.”
Thomson said it felt good to connect and keep fit for a good cause. “The reward you get can’t be measured but you know you are making a difference to someone else’s life. Supporting this incredible cause is so worthwhile.”
With distances ranging from 3km to 100km, everyone can get involved in the JumpStart Challenge. South African para-surfer David Williams tackled his first-ever 3.3km trail run, on what is difficult terrain for a double amputee.
“The trail was absolutely beautiful. The conditions were perfect. It was boiling hot! The people I had with me made it feel like it was 500m. If someone like me can do it – and still be standing – then so can able-bodied people give half an hour of their day to help young South Africans.”
Mr Price Sport head of marketing Philippa Feher said the JumpStart Challenge was about getting moving for good. “We are passionate about Mr Price Foundation and elevating youth; and giving them the opportunity to get into the retail sector. It’s really exciting to see it all come together and to see how enthusiastic people are to join us to raise funds,” said Feher.
The JumpStart Challenge powered by Mr Price Foundation is made possible with funding and support from our partners: the SPAR Group, Absa Bank, Mr Price Sport, as well as City Logistics, Fineline Technologies, CMH Ballito and Garmin. Thank you!
