Debbie Owen - Media Manager for the LCA/Velokhaya

Getting to know Debbie:

I was born on 11 January 1966 in Heidelberg, Gauteng.

I have lived in Cape Town since the late 80s.

I am married to Howard and have a young son, Lex.

I used to cycle socially; I completed a number of PnP Cape Argus cycling tours in the 1990s. (I intend getting back there but for now, its the odd cycle at the gym!) I used to cycle as a child on our farm in Mpumalanga. I remember receiving a brand new Chopper as a birthday gift and loved its three gears and 'racy looks'. I gave up cycling when I went to boarding school for five years, but got back on the bike in my early 20s when a friend challenged me to compete in the Argus Tour.

I enjoy spending time with my family, taking photos and reading.

Luthando Kaka, whom I first met in the early 2000s, introduced me to the LCA in 2005. At the time I invited Luthando to attend a talk hosted by Bjarne Riis, who visited South Africa at the end of 2005. I had met Bjarne and Team CSC earlier that year, while attending the 2005 Tour de France as a guest of CSC in South Africa. It was during that visit to the TDF that I suggested the team visits South Africa and subsequently submitted a proposal to CSC, which they supported. Seeing the entire Team CSC in South Africa - and in Khayelitsha in 2006 - was a dream come true.

My day-to-day job is as media manager for global shipping company, Safmarine. My Safmarine work takes up most of my time so most of my LCA/Velokhaya work is done after hours or on weekends.

My work day varies considerably - deadlines help determine my priorities. Time management is one of my biggest challenges. Another challenge is meeting the demands of journalists from around the world.

I believe in doing it right, first time. I also value honesty and integrity and incorporate that into my life and work. The best part of my job is seeing stories of the LCA/Velokhaya on TV/in print and the subsequent interest and the support this publicity generates for the organization.

I am inspired by people who work hard and succeed without compromising their values.

The best advice I ever received was: 'Never presume or assume - rather check." It was given to me by a previous boss and I've passed it on to those who work for me. The devil is in the detail!

My life has been full of challenges - some big, some small - but they've made me a stronger and better person; working hard to achieve your goals is a lot more satisfying and rewarding than being given opportunities on a golden platter.

I don't like lazy and dishonest people; I become very angry when I see young people waste the opportunities given to them. I don't believe in entitlement - life doesn't owe anybody anything and my message to the youth is to work hard at school and to learn as much as they can - knowledge is power and the stepping stone to achieving one's dreams.

I believe wholeheartedly in the work of the LCA/Velokhaya and my wish is that more organizations will provide the financial support it needs to achieve its full potential.

I would love to have met Mother Theresa; she instilled in me the importance of looking beyond one's own circumstances and to do something for those who are less fortunate.

My motto is 'be the change you want to see in the world.' (Ghandi)

Profile date: October 2009

Another member of the Velokhaya media team is Veronica Bradford.

Getting to know Veronica:

I was born on 6 May 1961 in Gauteng.

I have been living in Cape Town for eight years now.

I am married to Anthony and have a daughter and a son, Bronwyn and David.

As I child I cycled for the fun of it - just around the farm. I would love to do a "fun-ride" one day on a mountain bike, but will have to get fit first. As a friend suggested - perhaps I am allergic to lycra!

I come from a sporty family - Anthony is a keen sportsman and used to compete in triathlons, marathons etc. David cycled the Engen Dynamic Cycle challenge in Port Elizabeth this year (2009) and really enjoyed it. He was a good soccer player in his junior school days. Bronwyn used to be a good long distance runner and she played hockey.

I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling and experiencing life and the cultures of another country, reading, cooking, painting, doing mosaics, pottery - anything creative, in my spare time.

I became involved with the LCA through Debbie Owen from Do Communicate, whom I have been working with since 2003.

I believe in doing the best you can. One must never be scared to learn from one ' s mistakes. This is not a weakness but is there to make you stronger and help you grow.

The best part of my job is seeing the fruits of our labour, seeing our work in print, on television etc - once it has all come together. Seeing cyclists on the programme achieve their goals is also testimony that the work that is being done at the LCA is "right on track".

I am inspired by people who achieve success - especially when they have had nothing to start with/from. There are some incredibly talented people out there who have reached great heights through their passion and determination and belief in their cause.

The best advice I ever received was: "Never presume or assume - rather check first". Debbie taught me that and it is real for sure! I also believe in following your gut feel and believing in your sixth sense. If something is "pulling/tugging" at you - no matter how small - best to check it out first.

My life has been full of challenges - so when you are faced with one, try and work through it. Sometimes it is not as bad as you have imagined. Having a good support base is helpful in gaining a perspective and finding a solution.

I don't like arrogant, rude people who think that life owes them.

My message to the youth is that hard work, passion and perseverance will get you far in life. Never give up or give in!

I believe the work of the LCA/Velokhaya is helping to mould young minds and my wish is for them to receive more support from Corporates as well as from fortunate individuals, as this will help their cause. The LCA have already shown what can be done with past and current support, so I challenge more companies to get involved.

When I was a young adult I wanted to meet Lady Diana. Her compassion for others appealed to me.

My motto is 'never give up on your dreams ' as dreams can become reality.

Profile date: November 2009