Since its inception in 2004, the founding crew at the Absa Cape Epic committed to helping the people living in and around the villages and towns that the race touches. The event\u2019s two official charities, the Big Tree Foundation and JAG Foundation, aim to give back to the communities that host the race, but there were several more charities that benefitted this year.<\/p>\n
Of the more than 600 teams participating, 94 teams rode under the banner of an official charity, raising funds to help causes closest to their hearts, many with considerable success. A whopping R5 million was raised this year.<\/p>\n
Topping the list monetarily are Mark le Roux and Philip van der Merwe. Says Le Roux: \u201cWe\u2019ve raised R460 000 for SAEP (The South African Environment and Education project), an award winning non-profit company, based in Philippi in the Western Cape. SAEP aims to empower and expand the opportunities of South African township children. As fathers ourselves, we realise the importance of supporting our country\u2019s children in their earliest exposure to education. Their early childhood education program currently supports around 800 children and 10 schools \u2013 addressing children’s basic needs such as school funding, proper nutrition, sanitation, and educational materials.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Proctor brothers, Andrew and Wesley, of Team MTN Qhubeka 10ACITY rode in support of one of the best known charities in mountain biking, the distinctive yellow jerseys frequently spotted at races around the country. They believe strongly in the Qhubeka Bike Project. \u201cIn rural areas, kids\u2019 ability to get to school is severely hampered by a lack of reliable transport and infrastructure, and by providing kids with a healthy means of transport, they can be physically fit and get to school on time,\u201d says Andrew Proctor. Through the Qhubeka organisation, children \u2018earn\u2019 their bikes by planting trees. Wesley Proctor adds: \u201cThey\u2019re also helping protect the environment in which we, as fanatical mountain bikers, have the privilege to ride in. So everybody wins.\u201d Their efforts have raised R250 000 to date. <\/p>\n
One of the best-known organisations at the Absa Cape Epic is Songo.info, not least because their logo appeared on the front of the leaders\u2019 yellow zebra jerseys of Burry Stander and Christoph Sauser every day in race week. John and Anton Sparks of Team Brothers in Arms were thrilled to have collected R150 000. Says John Sparks: \u201cWe went to one of their charity evenings and were absolutely blown away by Songo Fipaza and his will to uplift the spirit of kids, who without a goal would most probably end up in the streets.\u201d Funds go towards the organisation\u2019s cycling facilities in Kayamandi, including a BMX track where youngsters practice their skills and develop their self-esteem and sense of society.<\/p>\n
Another notable team was foreign participants Andrew Sharkey (Hong Kong) and Graham Collins (Singapore) of Team CLIC Sargent. They collected $13 635 riding in support of friends and colleagues who have battled cancer in the last year. Other charities represented included ICM Brain & Spine Institute, Safetynet, Mosaic and the Hemophilia Association of Mauritius.<\/p>\n
A few years ago, the Absa Cape Epic conceived a programme for riders who were unlucky not to gain an entry to the race. Prospective teams may still purchase one of the official charity entries available to riders via the Absa Cape Epic\u2019s official charities, The Big Tree Foundation and JAG Foundation. This year alone, the JAG Foundation raised over R1 million. Join the cause now if you still would like to ride the 10th<\/sup> anniversary race in 2013. There are still limited entries available.<\/p>\n