A small non-profit organisation has quietly begun shaping the future of South African cycling in the heart of the Cape Winelands.
Established early last year, the Chic Development Foundation in Franschhoek aims to assist children from disadvantaged backgrounds through the medium of sport.
The picturesque Western Cape town, which has built its economy on the tourism and agricultural industries, straddles the conspicuous economic divide between privilege and poverty.
Many families in the area are dependent on seasonal work as farm labourers and youth unemployment rates hover at around 21.5 per cent. For many youngsters, their opportunities for a better life are limited.
This is where Chic’s sports-mad founding members have stepped in to help those who truly wish to be helped, in a sustainable way.
Although the founders prefer to remain anonymous, their humanitarian initiative is being driven by former pro cyclist and multiple SA cross-country champion Geddan Ruddock.
Clearly still passionate about cycling, Ruddock remains actively involved in the sport through his business, Franschhoek Cycles, and a local club.
“Cycling was chosen as the initial backbone of the programme, while at the same time focusing on the children’s education,” says Ruddock.
In the process, he says, the programme’s participants acquire invaluable broader life skills such as self-discipline, teamwork and perseverance, which will help them in their future careers.
“For example, they have to be on time for training and see the programme through.
“Of course, they are also learning and improving their physical skills, such as balance, coordination and aerobic fitness.”
Ruddock can testify to the merits of cycling in his own enduring career.
“I’ve learned a lot, achieved a lot and earned a livelihood through cycling.
“I’ve always wanted to put something back into the sport that has given me so much and played such a big role in my life, and this has been an amazing, ideal opportunity to do so.”
Ruddock says the programme is well structured and an intensive selection process followed to make sure they have the right fit when it comes to potential candidates.
“There are currently seven youngsters enrolled – six boys and one girl – who are all in high school.”
Interested kids are screened at their school, with input from their teachers and principal, to determine their potential, he says.
“They then need to perform a time-trial to give an indication of their physical ability and attitude.”
Ruddock stresses that the candidate is not expected to be the fastest but needs to show determination and commitment.
“If selected, an in-depth interview is conducted by a social worker to find out more about his or her history and family background.”
Once approved, the candidate completes a three-month probation period under the close guidance and supervision of a coach.
“The successful participants receive a bicycle as well as head-to-toe sponsorship of cycling kit and spares. All their entry fees and transport to races are also covered.”
In May last year, four of the promising and committed riders were chosen to form the official Chic cycling team. They are Jiyaad Johnson, Jason Boonzaaier and Rosco Neels, all 18 years old, and Guillaume Wessels, 15.
Racing mainly on road, with the odd mountain bike race thrown in, the youngsters have already achieved local success.
“Jason won a criterium race during the Lights by Linea series in a sprint finish.
“Guillaume, our youngest rider, won the very first race he participated in in Atlantis.”
All four represented Western Province at the youth festival in Bloemfontein in October.
While the plan is to grow the team, Ruddock says the foundation’s first priority is to get youngsters into the initial programme.
“If they successfully complete the probation period and show some potential after their first few races, we’ll consider drafting them into the team.”
He adds that the foundation members hope to expand their work beyond the limits of Franschhoek, once successful partnerships have been formed with the local schools.
“The focus will remain on cycling, however, when it comes to education, we are looking for a partnership in this regard.
“We also have a long-term goal of establishing a cycling academy separate from the foundation.
“The idea would be to give team riders who show above-average cycling talent the resources to further their sporting career once they’ve left school.”
Ruddock believes the ideal scenario would be to partner with a tertiary education institution that shares a strong emphasis on sport.
For now, raising sponsorships and donations is something he will be concentrating on, as the foundation has until now been privately funded.
“I’m participating in the Cape Epic this year in the masters category and we would like people to pledge a rand per kilometre I complete as one of our fundraising initiatives.”
With a masters category win, two top-20 finishes in the men’s race and a pair of podiums in the mixed category, Ruddock should be a safe bet. And all funds raised will go towards giving talented kids the break they need and the future they deserve.
For more information e-mail geddan@chicdevelopmentfoundation.org or find the foundation on Facebook.
