The Bishops Diocesan College school community helped to raise more than R500 000 in a fund-raising cyclothon last weekend to support the Vusa Rugby and Learning Academy in Langa.
More than 170 people in 23 teams took part in the 24-hour event at the Rondebosch school’s Raymond Ackerman Centre.
Stormers rugby coach John Dobson and former Springboks Rob Fleck and Christian Stewart – all Bishops old boys – did live interviews to encourage the participants while former international rugby players Nick Koster, JJ Gagiano, Dasch Barber, Hal Luscombe, Imad Khan, Francois Louw, Oli Kebble and Cornel Smit rallied pupils at their alma mater to create excitement about the fund-raising efforts.
A team of Vusa coaches also rode in the event to raise funds for the children they coach and mentor.
Vusa’s programme manager Makabongwe Kahla said the event was well supported. “It is wonderful to see so many people coming out in support of this incredible charity, which provides sport, academic and recreational opportunities, and a daily meal to primary school children in the Langa community.”
Vusa executive director Brendan Fogarty said all the funds raised would be allocated to the Vusa programmes and cover expenses such as food, transport, academic resources and coach salaries.
Bishops principal Tony Reeler said his pupils had made the school proud. “The boys pedalled their hearts out; it was fantastic to see everyone challenging themselves for a great cause.”
The event raised money though the support of corporate and private donors on a BackaBuddy page.
