• In 2003 two ordinary South Africans saw the potential of using cycling - an environmentally-friendly and healthy activity - to uplift children living in disadvantaged communities in South Africa.
  
  
• The shared passion of Glyn Broomberg, a former teacher and gym owner, and Amos Ziqubu, a former postman, led to the development of the Life Cycling Academy, a not-for profit organisation which uses cycling as a drawcard to implement a range of holistic development programmes aimed at improving education, developing human potential and teaching valuable life skills to children living in some of South Africa poorest areas.
  
  
• Currently, more than half of South Africa's entire population is under the age of 25. Many of the youth live in communities affected by high unemployment and poverty. Research has shown that crime - and most often, violent crime - has become a primary means for many young South Africans to connect and bond with society, to acquire 'respect' and 'status' and demonstrate 'achievement' among peers and in their communities. Sport, which focuses on individual and group achievement and which brings pride to individuals and their communities, can be a powerful mechanism for reversing this trend.
  
  
• By increasing self-esteem and confidence, the LCA's cycling programmes help to inspire and equip young people to deal with the difficulties they face in life; through the LCA's programmes they're shown how hard work, dedication and discipline will help them achieve their goals, both on and off the bike.
  
  
• With the support of corporate partners, Amos and Glyn have implemented a range of focused, sustainable cycling-based programmes that range from BMX cycling (to encourage mass participation in the sport), to school-based cycle/road safety programmes and a range of competitive programmes that allow for participation in the sport at national and international level.
  
  
• The LCA is the first and only organization in South Africa to successfully develop cycling in disadvantaged communities to the level where its members are able to compete both nationally and internationally. The LCA is also the only organization in South Africa with an elite cycling team where members are entirely drawn from previously disadvantaged communities. Not only are these cyclists delivering top results, but their successes are inspiring other youngsters, who're able to relate to them and their circumstances.
  
  
• In order to maintain this level of performance and success it is imperative that the LCA continues to forge relationships with dynamic and community-oriented corporate entities; companies that believe in corporate citizenship and the future development and growth of South Africa through the empowerment of the youth.
  

About Velokhaya:

• Velokhaya is the awareness and fundraising channel of the Life Cycling Academy.


• Velokhaya derives its name from the French word 'velo' (meaning bicycle) and the Xhosa word 'khaya' (meaning home). (The name Velokhaya also is similar to a word in South Africa's Xhosa language, 'velakhaya' which means 'to bring home' or 'to come home'.)


• Phil Liggett, the international voice of cycling and Tour de France commentator, is Velokhaya's chief patron.


• In November 2008 the Life Cycling Academy celebrated the opening of the Velokhaya BMX Oval in Khayelitsha, the first facility of its kind in South Africa - and possibly the world.


• The Velokhaya BMX Oval, which is situated in the heart of Khayelitsha, Cape Town's largest township, is a popular and safe after-school recreation facility. The Academy believes that young people, particularly those affected by poverty and unemployment, are less likely to become involved in negative activities (such as substance abuse and crime) if they have access to immediate post-school activities. Sport-based programmes have also been shown to improve the learning performance of children, encouraging school attendance and a desire to succeed academically. Sport also teaches important life skills - cooperation, leadership, respect for others, knowing how to win and lose and how to manage competition. Through sport, youngsters learn about honesty, teamwork, fair play, respect for themselves and others, and adherence to rules.


• In keeping with the eco-friendly nature of cycling, recycled shipping containers - donated by shipping line Safmarine and converted with funds provided by Mars Africa and the Pedal Power Association - were used to construct the new BMX Oval buildings and BMX track which has been built to national competition standards. The Oval facilities include a viewing platform, a club house, toilets and showers, a race office and commentary box.


• In December 2009 two young Velokhaya BMX cyclists were selected to join one of South African's top BMX teams, Team Jeep, in competing in the SA BMX Championships in April 2010. Their selection was an incredible achievement considering the two riders were only introduced to BMX's at the beginning of 2009.



LCA and Velokhaya highlights include:



• The entire Team CSC visits Khayelitsha in 2006: Team CSC, which at the time was rated the world's number one pro-cycling team (and 2006's Tour de France team winners), visited the LCA in December 2006. Some of the world's top cyclists - including Carlos Sastre, brothers Andy and Franck Schleck and Fabian Cancellara - joined the LCA cyclists in riding through the streets of Khayelitsha. Following this visit, Team CSC decided to use its 2007 and 2008 Tour de France campaigns to raise money for the Academy - the money raised was used to build the Velokhaya BMX Oval.


• Tour de France visits and ASO support: Life Cycling Academy/Velokhaya cyclists from were given the opportunity to visit the Tour de France in 2007 and 2008 when Team CSC used the two Tour de France campaigns as an opportunity to raise money to build the cycling facilities at Velokhaya. Money was raised through stage wins and auctions and the Velokhaya children were treated as VIPs while in France. The Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) - owners of the Tour de France - also announced its support for Velokhaya on July 21, 2008.


• The appointment of Phil Liggett, the international voice of cycling/Tour de France commentator, as the LCA's chief patron. Phil is highly respected internationally for his contribution to, and knowledge of, the sport.


• The support of the UCT Sport Science Institute (SSI) and the appointment of Dr Jeroen Swart as Sports Director for the LCA's competitive programme.



Full list of highlights can be found in the NEWS section on this website.



Future project - Velokhaya Cycling Centre:




There is a growing interest in cycling among township youth. This is partly due to the international success of LCA cyclists such as Luthando Kaka and Songezo Jim, two riders from Cape Town's townships who have made their mark at the highest levels of the sport.

Luthando and Songezo have become powerful, positive role models for other township children and it is the LCA's wish to build on their success by raising funds to build a permanent, 'Cycling Academy' or 'High Performance Centre' which will be based in Khayelitsha and which will allow more athletes to be developed within their community. This is important, both for the growth of the athletes and for the growth of the community as it allows youth from the community to witness, first hand, the transformation of their peers into champions.

The LCA is currently looking for CSI sponsorship to build the Velokhaya High Performance Centre, which will accommodate up to 30 athletes.

Further details about the centre and the sponsorship opportunities are available on request. More details and photos on the LCA and Velokhaya can be found at www.velokhaya.com.

16 April 2010

Click here to read more about the Life Cycling Academy and its programs.


Click here to read more about the fundraising and awareness initiative Velokhaya.