Reeds Motor Group will support Operation Smile South Africa at the 2016 FNB Wines2Whales (W2W) Mountain Bike (MTB) Events.
One in 700 children in South Africa is born with a cleft lip and/or palate. Operation Smile South Africa provides free surgeries to repair a cleft lip, a cleft palate and other facial deformities for children around the globe.
Johan Louw in action at the 2015 FNB W2W MTB Adventure. Photo Credit: Jetline Action Photo
“In addition to free surgeries, we also seek to build long-term sufficiency in resource poor environments,” says Sean Robson, Communications Coordinator of Operation Smile South Africa. “Operation Smile trains doctors and local medical professionals in its partner countries, empowering them to treat their local communities and help others around the world. Operation Smile also donates medical equipment and supplies and provides year-round medical treatment through its worldwide centers.”
Team Reeds 1 Ride4Smiles will take part in the FNB W2W MTB Ride (07 – 09 November 2016) and will consist of Johan Louw and Shaun Peters.
According to Louw, every child should have the right to smile. “I’m looking forward to sharing the experience with my good mate Shaun, in support of this worthy cause. FNB W2W is a must do event. I love the fantastic trails, food, race village and vibe.”
“Seeing my two children smile is priceless,” says Peters. “Being able to give back through the sport is an amazing opportunity for us. The FNB W2W is special because of the riders, the views and the vibe. Our team strength will be our determination to our cause and our ability to have a good laugh.”
Team Reeds 2 Ride4Smiles will be gunning for a podium position at the FNB W2W MTB Adventure (04 – 06 November 2016) and will consist of multiple SA mountain bike champion, Erica Green and former SA Sub Vet XCO Champion Phelia Burger.
“We are really proud to support Operation Smile South Africa,” says Green. “Repairing a cleft lip and/or palate seems to be a relatively simple procedure, but the huge impact that it has on each beneficiary is life-changing. Our goal at the FNB W2W MTB Adventure will be to raise as much awareness as possible and hopefully draw people towards this beautiful charity.”
“It’s not every day that you get the opportunity to support a charity by doing something that you love,” says Burger. “Granting a child the ability to smile will change his/her life forever. I can’t wait to ride with one of my best friends, in one of the most beautiful parts of the country in support of a really good cause.”
EVENT INFORMATION: FNB Wines2Whales MTB Events
Starting in the Winelands of Somerset West, riders will cross through (and over) 13 wineries, 26 private farms, six mountains, historic roads and mountain passes, nature conservation areas (including the Kogelberg Biosphere) before finishing within sight of the famous whales of Hermanus!
FNB Wines2Whales MTB Adventure: Friday, 04 November 2016 – Sunday, 06 November 2016
FNB Wines2Whales MTB Ride: Monday, 07 November 2016 – Wednesday, 09 November 2016
FNB Wines2Whales MTB Race: Friday, 11 November 2016 – Sunday, 13 November 2016
Each FNB W2W MTB entrant will receive an adidas branded jacket, and together with Duesouth, the official retail partner of the FNB W2W MTB Events, will set up an exhibitor’s area in the Race Village. Riders and supporters can look forward to a firsthand experience of adidas’ newest TERREX range.
Like our Facebook page: Operation Smile ZA / Wines2Whales
Follow us on Instagram: @adidasza
Follow us on Twitter: @adidasza / @w2wmtb
For more information on Operation Smile South Africa visit www.operationsmile.org.za For more information on the FNB W2W MTB events contact Chris on 083 760 3158, e-mail race@wines2whales.co.za, adventure@wines2whales.co.za or ride@wines2whales.co.za or visit www.wines2whales.co.za.
