Welties youngsters ride for a purpose
“If we can do it, you can too!”
Twelve very eager 9- and 10-year-olds from Weltevreden Park Primary School excitedly participated in the recent Telkom 947 Kiddies Ride.
They were entered by their teacher, after she participated in the Namaqua Quest and they expressed a lot of interest in exactly what their teacher went through. “I had some reservations about telling them, but I decided to share my mountain bike adventure with them.
Well, they absolutely loved it! They wanted to know how far we rode, where it was, who I rode with, and, of course, if I won!” said Samantha Erasmus said.
After she finished telling them about her experience, some of the children also shared their cycling experiences with the class, and that is when she realised that the 947 Kiddies Ride would be a nice outing to participate in.
She obtained permission from the principal, as well as all the learners’ parents, finalised the entries, and the countdown to the big event began.
“I believe cycling can indirectly teach you a lot about how to deal with life and the adventures it throws at you. We have been encouraged to get more grades involved, and quite a few of the other teachers are also keen. So, I am now planning to make this an annual event so plenty more children from our school can participate. I am sure this will also encourage many more children to want to ride,” said Samantha.
When race day arrived, approximately 1 500 children and their families descended on Riversands Commercial Park, ready to start the race.
The field was categorised by age and stability, and started with the little ones in the Birds group, all on push-bikes, with mom and dad in tow for a quick race around the track. They were followed by the Meerkats – a little older and more independent, thereafter the Lions group, and finally the Elephants, who had to dig deep to keep going along a 1,5km route.
Fortunately, there was lots of support from the spectators, as well as a watering point along the way, to give them the necessary boost to cross the finish line.
Each participant left with a T-shirt, medal, goodie bag and a juicy burger from Spur, to ensure everyone’s energy was replenished after the tough ride.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at northsider@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
