Cricket star cycles for charity

Chevrolet Warriors and Proteas all rounder, Johan Botha, once again takes on the 24 cycling challenge this year to raise funds for charity.

This is the fourth consecutive year that Botha cycles for charity for 24 hours around the circumference of St Georges Park, home of the Axxess DSL cricket ground. Botha recently returned to South Africa after representing the Rajastan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in India and leaves today (May 31) for England where he will be playing county  cricket.

Despite his busy cricket schedule Botha, who is also a keen cyclist, finds time to cycle in preparation of the 24 hour cycling challenge. Sponsored by Chevrolet and General Motors South Africa (GMSA), Botha started this initiative four years ago to raise funds for people with special needs. Together with a few dedicated cyclists, Botha last year amassed a distance of 574, 5 kilometers, completing 266 laps around St Georges Park in Port Elizabeth which is a distance of 2, 16 kilometres.

Asked how he managed to balance the cycling preparation and playing professional cricket, Botha said that if one is dedicated to the purpose there will be time. “I am grateful to my wife, together with the team from the sponsors of the event, General Motors, who so tirelessly organise the event, all I do is cycle,” said a modest Botha.

Botha aims to raise in excess of R200 000 this year which will be donated to the charities selected this year, Just Inspired, Khanya Youth Development in New Brighton and Masimanye Day Care Centre in Despatch.

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Just Inspired is a school campaign which is aimed at doing a mini makeover at 20 local schools in the various townships in the metro.  Work has already been done at a number of the schools inspired by Canadian singer/songwriter Justin Hine’s song “Say what you will” which was used to initiate the first school makeover in April 2010

Khanya Youth Development is run by Ms Nokuthula Mtimka and is situated in New Brighton.  There are 120 school-going children who are either aids orphans or neglected by parents.  Nokuthula feeds them on a daily basis and has educators who give extra classes after school.

Masimanye Day Care Centre in Despatch is run by Erica Ntombela.  She takes care of and feeds 80 school going children and 25 babies.

“I appeal to you for your kind support in order to help me fulfill my mission to assist these charities. Invite your friends and family to come to Axxess DSL St Georges and make a pledge, every little bit helps.  Your support in attending the event or making a financial contribution is greatly appreciated,” said Botha.

Click to join movement

Donations can be made into the following bank account:
Bank: ABSA  / Name: Cycle Challenge  / Branch: 511 917 or 632005  / Acc. Number: 9203931968. Kindly fax a proof of payment to Monica on 041 373 6521 or e-mail to mj_botha@telkomsa.net.