![Students from Tafelsig Secondary School receiving their gear Students from Tafelsig Secondary School receiving their gear](https://www.westerncape.gov.za/sites/www.westerncape.gov.za/files/students_from_tafelsig_secondary_school_receiving_their_gear.jpg)
Cycling clubs from 12 schools and one development club from across the Western Cape took part in the handover of cycling kits and equipment to students on Friday 27 February 2015 at Scottsville High School. The Sports Trust Development programme is a partnership between the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Nedbank, the Sports Trust and Cycling South Africa.
‘We have been changing lives through cycling for the past nine years’ said Anita Mathews, Executive Director of the Sports Trust. Mathews also said the one of the aims of the handover was to assist students with training for upcoming cycle races such as the Cape Town Cycle Tour, as well as to ultimately get the students onto provincial teams and national cycling teams.
Edward Claasen, deputy principal of Scottsville High School, said he is proud of the learners who participate in the programme, as it allows them the opportunity to develop themselves. He said that the programme is an example of how the partners of the programme are building a nation through education.
‘The programme inspires learners to have a vision and set goals in life. It motivates them to persevere through social ills and turbulent times. It encourages them to become better citizens and positively influence their peers‘ said Justin Pasensie from DCAS.
Anton Bredell, the Acting Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport in the Western Cape congratulated the members of the cycling clubs selected to be part of the program. “These learners will be taking part in the world’s biggest timed cycling event, the Cape Town Cycle Tour. I also just want to wish them the best of luck in the race. They are an inspiration and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport is proud to be associated with them.”
By supporting development cyclists to participate in events like this, the Nedbank Sports Trust Development Cycling Programme creates conditions for future cycling champions. DCAS looks forward to continuing to contribute to the long-term success of this partnership to support cycling development in the Western Cape.
Tania Colyn
Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9877
E-mail: tania.colyn@westerncape.gov.za