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Velokhaya - which takes its name from the French word for bicycle (velo) and the isiXhosa word for home (khaya) - is a joint initiative by Cape Town's Life Cycling Academy (LCA), Cervélo along with CSC are two of its sponsors.
Velokhaya is the awareness and fundraising vehicle for the Life Cycling Academy (LCA), a non-profit organization focused on introducing the sport of cycling to previously disadvantaged communities (PDCs) in South Africa.
How it all began…
The Life Cycling Academy (LCA) was informally established in 2003 after Glyn Broomberg, an avid cyclist, noted the limited and infrequent participation of black cyclists in the sport of competitive cycling.
Keen to determine the level of interest in the cycling, he approach black youths in his nearby community of Masephumelele (meaning, ‘let’s achieve something’).
What he found was not a lack of interest or enthusiasm for the sport – only a lack of funding.
He secured sponsorship for a team of five male cyclists and provided them with bicycles, cycling kit and training support. They entered local cycling races and drew much attention - and admiration from other their peers.
Soon Broomberg was inundated with requests to help more riders from previously disadvantaged communities participate in cycling events. The need to extend the cycling programme and formalize the programme became apparent.
Later that same year (2003) Glyn Broomberg met Amos Ziqubu, a resident of Khayelitsha, who had for several years attempted to promote the sport of cycling in the township where he lived.
The two decided to combine their energy and efforts; to form an Academy that would take township cycling to the next level.
In 2004 the Life Cycling Academy was officially registered as a Section 21 Company (a company not for profit or gain).
Amos and Glyn put structures in place that would ensure a range of focused, sustainable and meaningful programmes that would change the lives of many young children.
Today, the LCA – with the support of sponsors past and present - has grown into an organisation that offers a range of programmes - from school education projects to elite level competitive cycling programmes. (See www.lifeacademy.co.za for programme details).
The organisation continues to proudly influence the lives of its over 500 registered participants through through its principles of: Dedication, Discipline, Motivation, Loyalty, Teamwork.
Watch this space for information about new Velokhaya/Cervélo initiatives.
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