Canal Walk Foundation Reconciliation Cup

The Life Cycling Academy/Velokhaya and the Canal Walk Foundation will host the inaugural Canal Walk Foundation Reconciliation Cup.

Cape Town, South Africa.

Where: The event will be held at the Velokhaya BMX Oval - corner of Kusasa and Makabeni Streets, Khayelitsha (GPS: S34 02.06 E18 39.66) - take the Mew Way turn-off (offramp number 25) from the N2 highway. Click here for a map to the Oval (as well as the Oliver Tambo Sports Complex which is located in Lansdowne Road).
When: December 16, 2009 (Wednesday - Day of Reconciliation)
Time: 10h30 - 14h00 (Program of events to be provided)
Why: To promote the sport of BMX in the Western Cape - and to celebrate the first anniversary of the opening of the Velokhaya BMX Oval.

Click here to download the entry form - remember, entries are limited to 100 and entries close on 11 December. Fax your entry form to 021 782 1353 (Entry Forms Only). Enquiries: Glyn - 072 170 7547

Hot News: Velokhaya patron and 'voice of cycling' Phil Liggett will be the guest of honour and a number of South Africa's top BMX riders will be in action - including (in alphabetical order):

1. Axel Webster - Age 10 - is a learner from Pinetown, KZN. He started BMX riding at the age of five. His major achievements are finishing in eighth place at the 2009 World championships and second place in his age category (10) at the 2009 South African Championships. His goal in BMX is to be the World Number 1. He is a member of Team Jeep BMX.

2. Christopher Austin - Age 16 - lives in Hillcrest, KZN, South Africa and is a member of Team Jeep BMX. Christopher, who started riding BMX at the age of 8, won the 16 Boys age category at 2009 South African Championships. He was also the SA Champ in 2007 (!4 Boys category) and took second place in the 13 Boys category in 2006.

3. Dean Holdstock - Age: 20. Gauteng-based Dean has had plenty of experience in Europe and on the local BMX circuit. He has competed in Europe for the past two years. He is the current Grand National #1 and is one of SA's top riders.

4. Godfrey Buziba - Age 20. Riding his first year as an Elite, Godfrey - who comes from Gauteng - is one of the most passionate BMXers in SA with huge talent. He is listed as one of country's top 10 riders.

5. Jordan O'Keeffe - Age 19 - 2009 Elite 3 rider, Due to injury, Jordan missed competing in the Elite 1 category. Considered one of SA's strongest riders, Jordan spent three months at the UCI training facility in Switzerland and is one of the most talented BMX riders in South Africa. Unfortunately, injury held him back this year, but he is expected to reach Number 1 in the country once back in full form. Jordan is from Kwazulu Natal.

6. Kyle Dodd - Age 15. Kyle is probably one of SA's best finds, and at the age of 15 can mix it up with the top Elites in South Africa. Kyle has been top of his age group for a number of years, and is considered a rare talent. He will be competing in the Elite category in 2010. Kyle is from Gauteng.

7. Liam Webster - 12 - also hails from Pinetown, KZN. He started riding BMXs at the age of five. Liam, who rides for Team Jeep BMX, finished in 5th place in the Semi-finals (9th Overall) - 12 boys category - at the 2009 World Championships in Adelaide, Australia. He is the 2009 SA Champion in the 12 Boys Category.

8. Nzuzo 'Zuz' Mngadi is a 19 year old BMX rider competing in the Elite category. Currently a member of Team Jeep BMX, Nzuzo finished in 7th place in 2009 South African Championships. He started riding BMXs at the age of 13 and has competed in the SA Championships since 2007.

9. Sharlene McGilvray - Pietermaritzburg based (50+) rider Sharlene McGilvray is one of the oldest BMX riders in SA, and the country's oldest female BMX cyclist. This year she achieved the World #2 place at the World Championships in Victoria, Canada (For the 45 and over Cruiser Women category). She has competed in the World BMX Championships since 2005. In 2008 she achieved SA 2 in the 45 and Over Cruiser Class (competing against men). Her goal is to be the World 1 in the 45* Cruiser Women's class at the 2010 World BMX Championship which will take place in Pietermartizburg in 2010. Click here to read a recent article on Sharlene.

10. Swen Lauer - German-born Swen (40) currently lives in Cape Town. He started racing BMXs is 1980 and this year achieved first place in the 40-45 Cruiser category at the 2009 SA Championships. His goal in BMX is to be SA's number one 40-45 Cruiser rider and to achieve a podium position in the World Championships in Pietermaritzburg in 2010. He is a member of Team Jeep BMX.

11. Teagan O'Keeffe - Age 17. A strong contender as SA's candidate for the Youth Olympic Games. Teagan had her first year in the Junior Women category this year and held her own at the World Championships and at the Supercross World Cup. Although Teagan didn't get a world number on her 20", she brought home the World 4 on her 24" Cruiser. She is one of SA's best girl riders and hails from Kwazulu Natal.

12. Wayne Gerber - Age 18: Elite 2 rider in 2009. Wayne is also regarded as one of the country's best BMXers having finished second in the Elite standings this year after putting in much hard work and dedication. This talented rider is considered a wonderful ambassador for the sport of BMX. He lives in Gauteng.

More details on Team Jeep riders available from Sydney Webster - WRM - Team Jeep BMX. www.teamjeep.co.za. Cell: 076 162 2110 or e-mail teamjeepbmx@gmail.com

BMX Commission representatives who will be accompanying the above riders include:

- Aaron Holdstock - National Coach
- Alan Dodd - Selector Convener
- Thoko Mhlanga - Transformation & Development
- Margot Gerber- Director of BMX SA - Cycling SA

According to Margot Gerber; "We are really impressed with the work being done to promote BMX in Cape Town. The riders and the BMX commission who will travel to Cape Town will do so in the hope that our presence will encourage the growth of BMX in Cape Town."

Media covering the event pse note:
Journalists/VIP guests who wish to attend the event are requested to make arrangements to meet the Velokhaya PR team - Veronica Bradford and Debbie Owen - at the Velokhaya BMX Oval from 10H30 onwards.They can also meet at the track the day before for interviews when two of the Team Jeep riders will be training the Velokhaya kids.

Alternatively, journalists who prefer to travel under escort to the Velokhaya BMX Oval are requested to meet a representative of Velokhaya at the Oliver Tambo Sports Complex (see invitation for times). The prize giving will be held at approximately 14H00. (Full programme for the day to follow).

We look forward to welcoming you to Khayelitsha. Please feel free to bring along refreshments for your personal enjoyment (regret no catering will be provided).

Questions? Contact Veronica Bradford, Do Communicate, on 021 788 9962/0825638989/0834543770 or email veronica@communicators.co.za.