More than 800 pupils, parents and teachers pedalled for 24 hours to raise over R1.2 million for the Vusa Rugby and Learning Academy in Langa at the fourth annual Vusa Cycle Challenge.

While over R1.1 million was raised through a BackaBuddy account set up for this campaign, another R100 000 was donated by a corporate sponsor.

Bishops hosted the cyclethon at the weekend, and participants cycled around the clock to support Vusa’s programmes, which run at four preschools and five primary schools.

This year, pupils from Western Province Preparatory School, Westerford High School, Herschel Girls, St Cyprians, Rondebosch Boys’ High and Rustenberg Girls’ High joined in.

Vusa’s executive director, Brendan Fogarty, who pedalled for 12 hours, said that along with after-school programmes and a grassroots rugby initiative, they also provided support with numeracy, literacy, coding, nutrition and recreational activities.

“Our Vusa children deserve more opportunities to develop into their full potential, and their smiling faces we see daily make the pedalling worthwhile,” he said.

Bishops principal Tony Reeler said: “I am incredibly proud to see our pupils, alumni, and community come together for the Cycle Challenge. This event not only showcases the physical endurance and team spirit of our boys but also emphasises our commitment to uplifting the broader community.”

Stormers players also joined the cyclethon, and pedallers were treated to live entertainment, a magic show and a silent disco in the evening.

You can support the continuing campaign on BackaBuddy. Visit this title’s online edition for a direct link to the page.

Bishops Grade 11 Rieko Kidha and Grade 10 Harry Morgan supporting the cyclethon.

Rustenburg Girl’s High Grade 9 Jemma Bramwell joined the fund-raiser.

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Bishops cyclethon raises R1. 2m for Langa academy