Department and Partners Boost Underprivileged Cyclists

On Friday, 22 February 2013, the Nedbank Sports Trust Development Cycling Programme donated 165 cycling kits and 60 bicycles to over 165 learners from 13 disadvantaged schools in the Cape Flats and Boland areas. The official handover, in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, was held at Phoenix Secondary School in Manenberg.

This donation brings Nedbank’s overall contribution to 656 bicycles since the programme’s inception in 2005. This forms part of a two-decade long partnership between Nedbank and The Sports Trust, which has seen Nedbank contribute approximately R15 million to sport development projects in South Africa.

Maseda Ratshikuni, Head of Marketing at Nedbank said they are honoured to be able to contribute to communities through sports development. “The Sports Trust is an important vehicle that provides us with an opportunity to advance our commitment of being actively involved in communities within which we operate,” said Ratshikuni.

Project Coordinator Cheryl Jupp is equally pleased with Nedbank’s commitment, “It has been encouraging to witness the sustained commitment that Nedbank has shown towards the development of cycling and other sporting codes across the country. We are immensely proud of the journey we have travelled since the introduction of the initiative and we are convinced that, with the support of our partners, the future of sports development in South Africa will be even brighter.”

The efforts of the Nedbank Sports Trust Development Cycling Programme to assist cyclists will also receive a boost from the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport. The Department has offered to assist the cyclists by providing transport and accommodation for those who will be competing at the 2013 Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle tour. This year, 165 cyclists from the Nedbank Sports Trust Development Cycling Programme will take part in the competition. Amongst those who will be taking part is Tutu Skosana, who works for the Sports Trust and is showing his support by joining this year’s Nedbank Sports Trust Development Cycling Programme.

The Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Dr Ivan Meyer, said: “It is incumbent on us as the department to demonstrate our support for initiatives which are aimed at uplifting society in various ways, including sport. I am proud of the progress that has been made through this initiative and would like to encourage all involved to continue inspiring our children, as well as communities, into action.”

Nedbank, in partnership with The Sports Trust and the Department, continues to contribute towards the sustainable development of sports in South Africa. Through its affinity programme which encompasses Sports Affinity, the partnership continues to mainstream efforts which are aimed at unearthing the talent of potential athletes across South Africa.