A dream come true
When Team CSC took to the roads of France in July 2007, cheering them on were six young South Africans who probably never dreamed of leaving their poor neighborhoods, let alone their country. But thanks to South Africa's Life Cycling Academy (LCA), these young men and women have embraced cycling as a way to improve their lives and explore previously unheard of opportunities. The riders were guests of CSC and Team CSC, who are supporting the LCA’s fundraising efforts, mentoring the young riders, and helping fulfill the academy's vision of "Growth Through Cycling."
The fundraising arm of the LCA is Velokhaya - which derives its name from the French word ‘velo’ (bicycle) and the Xhosa word ‘khaya’ (home). CSC pledged its support for Velokhaya, donating 3,000 euros to the organization for each stage won by Team CSC during the Tour de France. In addition, Team CSC has become Velokhaya's Official Pro Cycling Team Partner, donating equipment and time – even traveling to South Africa in December 2006 to meet academy students in person and encourage their interest in cycling.
More about the Life Cycling Academy
The academy was founded in 2003 to provide cycling opportunities to young people in some of South Africa’s poorest communities. More than 300 young people participate in the academy's programs, drawn from four communities throughout Cape Town. Participants range from schoolchildren to elite cyclists, and events are both recreational and competitive.
Young riders were VIPs at Tour de France
At the Tour, CSC and Team CSC helped to raise awareness for the program. The LCA riders attended CSC's employee events at Val d’Isere, and watched the arrival of the Tour from CSC's VIP viewing area near the finish of stage 8. They also had the opportunity to bike the same roads the Tour covered when it arrived in town, mountain biked on terrain unlike anything they’ve seen before, and tried other alpine activities such as summer skiing.
The funds and awareness raised by Velokhaya at the Tour and beyond will contribute directly to construction of a cycling center and BMX track at the Life Cycling Academy in Khayelitsha (just outside Cape Town), and to development programs for riders and coaches.
"Our aim is to raise funds to establish much-needed cycling-related infrastructure in communities where there are – and never have been – such facilities. Facilities such as a BMX track where young children can be introduced to cycling, and a specialist center where elite athletes are trained to compete against the world’s best," says the Velokhaya Web site. "We want to create opportunities for young men and women from impoverished communities; opportunities that will allow them to grow as individuals or athletes – or both."
For more information on Velokhaya
For more information, and to donate to Velokhaya, visit the Velokhaya site and the Life Cycling Academy site.