Minister Meyer Cycles in SWD to Hand Over Bikes

On Saturday, 15 September 2012, Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Dr Ivan Meyer cycled from Oudtshoorn to Calitzdorp handing out bicycles and sports equipment at schools along the way.

In a clear expression of the Western Cape Government’s Better Together slogan, the day’s events were conducted in partnership with the SWD (South Western Districts) Sport Council and the SWD Cycling Federation, and the minister was accompanied along the 68 km route by 30 SWD development cyclists.

Speaking at Volmoed Primary, Rietfontien Primary, Calitzdorp High, Calitzdorp Primary, Zoar Primary and Gamka-Oos Primary School, Minister Meyer stressed the importance of education and living a healthy lifestyle.

"The front wheel of the bicycle represents the teacher, the back wheel the learner, the chain the books you must read and the saddle your seat at school. The front wheel leads, the back wheel follows, the chain holds the front and back parts of the bicycle together, the handlebars give direction and there will be no movement unless someone is in the saddle to pedal. Remain in your seat at school for as long as possible, listen and follow the lead of your teacher. Read and study your books and keep your hand steady on the handlebars of your life," he said.

President of SWD Cycling, Corné Bence, gave thanks for the minister’s promotion of cycling in the SWD: "I am immensely proud of the achievements of cycling in the SWD and I have no doubt that with the minister’s support we will continue to have a significant impact on cycling in the Western Cape, and we will re-establish Oudtshoorn as the cycling destination of choice in the SWD."