• Sport teaches young people important life skills such as cooperation, leadership, respect for others, knowing how to win and lose, knowing how to manage competition. Through sport, young people learn about honesty, teamwork, fair play, respect for themselves and others, and adherence to rules.
  
  
• Sport-based programmes - such as those of the Life Cycling Academy - have also been shown to improve the learning performance of children and young people, encouraging school attendance and a desire to succeed academically.
  
  
• Recent research has proven 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.

The importance of providing a positive outlet for youth living in marginalized communities is further supported by the fact that more than half of South Africa's entire population is under the age of 25.

Many of these young people live in communities affected by high unemployment and poverty and it is important that we instill in them the belief that, no matter their circumstances, they have the power to dream and achieve their dreams.

The Life Cycling Academy is currently the only organisation in South Africa with an elite cycling team where all members are drawn from previously disadvantaged communities. Not only are these cyclists delivering top results, but their successes are inspiring other youngsters who are able to relate to them and their circumstances.

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.