The Botriver Primary School recently took delivery of 50 bicycles (38 single speed and 12 mountain bikes with gears) compliments of the organisers of the FNB Wines2Whales (W2W) Mountain Bike (MTB) Events and the Pedal Power Association (PPA).
From left to right: Johan Kriegler (FNB W2W MTB Director) together with learners of the Botriver Primary School and Yusuf Haas (Principal of the Botriver Primary School). Photo Credit: Ewald Sadie
“The Botriver Primary School has always been part of the FNB W2W,” says Johan Kriegler, FNB W2W MTB Director. “The Stage Three route goes via the town, with the school hosting the first water point of the day. The school’s Principal is a keen cyclist and is determined to establish a cycling club at the school. The bicycle and equipment donation is valued at R100 000 and was made possible through a joint venture between the Pedal Power Association (PPA) and FNB W2W. In addition to managing water points and car transfers at the FNB W2W MTB Events, the Rotary Helderberg Sunrise Club also made a donation towards the bicycles. ASLA, a Western Cape based Building and Construction Company, showed their support by donating both a 12 meter and a 6 meter container in which the bicycles will be safe guarded on the school premises.”
“PPA is a Public Benefit Organisation committed to promote cycling and the interests of cyclists. Our influence and interest spans across recreational road and off-road cycling events and initiatives; supporting cycling community projects like this project; lobbying for the interests of cyclists’ safety and rights; assisting communities to develop through cycling; and encouraging our youth to cycle. We are delighted to have been able to contribute to this worthy initiative,” said PPA Chairman Steve Hayward.
According to Yusuf Haas, Principal of the Botriver Primary School, the school is thirty-four years old, has a learner total of 712 students ranging from Grade R to Grade 9 and a staff contingent of 24 teachers. “The bicycle donation will greatly contribute to the physical development of our learners who will now be exposed to other sporting codes, enhancing their confidence. The school’s MTB Club will consist of senior (grade 8 and grade 9) learners, while the single speed bicycles will mainly be used by younger learners to teach them the basics of road safety. One of the aims of the MTB Club will be to encourage learners to participate in events such as the FNB W2W.”
The learners of the Botriver Primary School will be seen cycling along the Stage Three Route of the FNB W2W MTB Events (Adventure, Ride and Race), welcoming riders and showing their gratitude for this wonderful gesture that was made possible by each entrant.
