KNYSNA CYCLING NEWS - Even though the 2020 cycling events have been postponed to 2021, bicycle helmets were handed to the Knysna Sport Academy last month, as part of the many local charitable initiatives supported by the Dr Evil Classic and the Lions Karoo to Coast (K2C) races.
The helmet donation comes as a result of an innovative activation during the two annual events that took place over the Heritage Day weekend in 2019, when Scott Bikes handed over 60 brand-new helmets to riders along the route, in exchange for their helmets worn during the race.
Helmets were donated to Kwano Academy in Plettenberg Bay just after the events last year and then the remaining helmets were handed over to the Knysna Sports Academy on 11 August this year.
The "Get Your Head in the Game" helmet giveaway is aimed at raising awareness of safety in cycling, something close to the heart of Joggie Prinsloo of Scott Bikes. "We wanted to raise awareness of the need for quality safety gear when mountain biking and also to give give back to the community," Prinsloo said.
Knysna Sport Academy cycling coach Paulos Sigonyela, event organiser Zandile Meneses and the academy's Iain Coetzee.
Knysna Sport Academy runs a range of mountain biking programmes and currently caters for around 60 learners, with a large proportion of the youth attending being from disadvantaged communities. Some of the more senior riders take part in cross-country and marathon races, and last year the academy saw some of its young riders take part in the Karoo to Coast.
The academy's Iain Coetzee said the opportunity to take part in big races really helps to motivate and encourage their young people to excel in their chosen sport.
"The Knysna Sport Academy is grateful to the Karoo to Coast organisers for donating these helmets collected during the 2019 event by Scott Bikes. These helmets will be used for our cycling programme, during four training sessions each week, as well as at events that we participate in during the year that includes the Karoo to Coast."
Organiser Zandile Meneses also expressed her gratitude towards Scott Bikes for the donation of the helmets.
'We bring you the latest Knysna, Garden Route news'
