A non-stop, 24-hour cycle challenge united schools across the Southern Suburbs as teachers, parents, and students pumped the pedals to raise over R1 million for disadvantaged learners!
Southern Suburbs, South Africa (04 September 2024) — The Southern Suburbs came alive with purpose recently as over 800 participants took to pedals for a 24-hour, non-stop cycle challenge set to wheel positive change and funds for the VUSA Rugby & Learning Academy!
From 24 to 25 August, schools, DHL Stormers, community members and cyclists all united to support the 24-hour cycle fundraiser, a full day of action that successfully surpassed its R1 million target for the NPO!
Teachers, parents and learners alike all pedalled their hearts out in different increments of the VUSA Cycle Challenge, with some dedicating a marathon’s measure of hours to the cause.
Meet VUSA
VUSA is an organisation that was started by Bishops Diocesan College Prep teacher, Brendan Fogarty, 20 years ago as a bridge that hoped to fill an important gap—sport offerings at disadvantaged schools.
What began as a part-time rugby programme has become a fully-fledged force of upliftment serving children far beyond sport.
“VUSA provides afterschool, numeracy, literacy and coding support for children, nutrition, recreational activities and a grassroots rugby initiative which has Bothe educational and recreational benefits for local children,” Brendan shares.
The 24-hour Cycle Challenge’s Goal
The VUSA Cycle Challenge (now in its 4th year) aimed to raise funds for the NPOs programmes, which operate at four registered Early Childhood Development Centres, five primary schools and a structured after-school programme.
Uniting for Opportunities
Close to Bishops’ heart, the school’s participants were up to task bright and early before being joined by other schools, including newcomers from Western Province Preparatory School, Westerford High School, Herschel Girls, St Cyprians, Rondebosch Boys High and Rustenberg Girls High.
Brendan gave his heart to the day as much as he does to his organisation and committed an impressive 12 hours of cycling! Other champions like Gareth Jordan (Bishops Prep Mathematics Department Head and House Director) have also been strictly committed, with Gareth raising nearly R500,000 over the four cycling challenges.
“It was a tough but wonderful experience cycling the 12 hours. Our VUSA children deserve more opportunities to develop into their full potential, and their smiling faces we see daily made the pedalling worthwhile,” he reflects.
“I am incredibly proud to see our pupils, alumni and community come together for the Cycle Challenge,” adds Tony Reeler, Bishops’ Principal. “It’s inspiring to witness our boys take on this Challenge and actively contribute to this wonderful programme. The commitment to serve others is something that we strive to instil at Bishops.”
Grade 11 learner Luke Carter, who was also the recipient of the prestigious Ackerman Award for service, captured the core of the event, sharing:
“The VUSA Cycle Challenge reminds us that, even as schoolboys, we have the power to create a lasting impact. When we come together as the Bishops community, we can truly uplift others and contribute to building a stronger, more unified society, proving that age is no barrier to making a meaningful difference.
The event’s proceeds (an incredible R1,198,538) will benefit 1,400 youngsters from Langa.
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