A total of 150 cyclists aged between seven and 18 took part in Songo.info’s first Mini Champions Race at the Kayamandi Sports Field on 24 September.
The race featured five categories, with participants racing different numbers of laps.
The boys aged between 14 and 18 set off on the five-lap 1.5km race around the Kayamandi Sports Field during Songo.info’s Mini Champions Race on 24 September. PHOTO: Bulela Sikithi
“We have been doing the Main Champions Race for the last 14 years and we thought it would be nice to do something for the kids,” said Sipho Madolo, general manager of Songo.info.
The Mini Champions Race also gave parents an opportunity to watch their children compete, something they do not usually get to do, said Madolo.
Madolo said they had not expected a large turnout for the first event but he was happy with the number of people who attended.
A cyclist from the 11-13-year-old category rides down the trail at the Kayamandi Sports Field during his second of four laps on 24 September. PHOTO: Bulela Sikithi
“I truly did not expect him to win and I just felt a lot of mixed emotions,” said Ziyanda Bilitane whose 10-year-old child finished third.
“He will definitely be back to race again next year,” she said.
Madolo said the cycling programme was introduced in Kayamandi to keep children off the streets and give them something to do.
“Kayamandi is becoming a bit of a problem in terms of crime, […] and that is becoming a bit of a norm, and we help create more well-rounded kids, and employable kids, and more like role models for the townships,” he said.
The girls aged between 14 and 18 wait for the go-ahead to begin their five-lap race at the Kayamandi Sports Field. The race was open to Songo.info’s cyclists and anyone else who could cycle. PHOTO: Bulela Sikithi
“I feel really good, and I wasn’t really confident coming into the race but the outcome of it was really good,” said Joylnn Botha, who won first place in the 14-18 girls age category.
Following the turnout at its first Mini Champions Race, Songo.info is now looking ahead to its main Champions Race, which is held annually in March.