Learners from the Anna Foundation’s Oak Valley afterschool in Elgin got an early taste of the FNB Wines2Whales action during a Mini Cycling Day, a fun pre-event aimed at building excitement before the race that starts this week.
The Mini Cycling Day was hosted at Oak Valley, where the Anna Foundation, based in Raithby, runs one of its afterschool projects and where part of the FNB Wines2Whales cycling action will take place from Friday 31 October to Sunday 9 November.
The day, hosted on Thursday 2 October, featured a short cycling clinic to boost coordination, followed by a timed race and a daring “no-hands” challenge that had everyone laughing and cheering. Team members were on standby to catch any toppling riders, but most powered through with impressive balance and enthusiasm.
After some spirited competition on the bikes, learners were awarded medals: Lugail Hugo for Gees Champion, Aiden Abrahams for Trail Buddy and All-Round Rider, and Nathan Coetzee for Pedal-Power Perseverance.
Each child also received an FNB gift bag with a headlamp and quick-dry towel, made possible by Wines2Whales’ donation to the Anna Foundation last year.
“We cycled a lot and I learnt cycling makes one fit,” 10-year-old Lenita Galant said. “I really liked riding between the cones, and I felt so happy when I climbed on the bicycle.”
Fa-eez Abrahams, the Anna Foundation’s sports project manager, said cycling sessions like these play an important role in the learners’ growth and development and it is a big part of the organisation’s sports component. “The learners really enjoy our cycling sessions, and days like this give them a chance to build their cycling skills and confidence in a fun, supportive environment,” he said.
Pierre-Henri Olivier, the foundation’s operations manager and a keen cyclist, said the event highlighted the organisation’s growing focus on cycling. “Cycling builds confidence, discipline and teamwork, the same values we teach through our afterschool programmes. We are proud to be an official charity of the FNB Wines2Whales and to give our learners a chance to share in this incredible event.”
The Anna Foundation’s partnership with Wines2Whales started in 2019, built on a shared commitment to uplift rural children through education, sport and life skills. Each year the foundation supports the event through cheer zones and community activities.
This year the team will once again activate at Oak Valley to cheer on riders and connect with the cycling community.
The Anna Foundation runs 21 after-school projects across the Western Cape, reaching more than 800 learners daily. Its programmes include the 3Rs initiative – Reading (Education), Running (Sports and Cycling) and Right-ing (Life Skills) – which helps learners develop academically, physically and socially.
The organisation is dependent on donations to keep its programmes running. To support their work or get involved, visit www.annafoundation.com or send an email to info@annafoundation.com.
