(South Africa, May 2017) The Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund, a charity that supports rugby players who have sustained catastrophic head, neck or spinal cord injuries is proud to announce that they will be hosting the inaugural ‘Ride 4 Rugby’ mountain bike experience in Caledon in the Western Cape from 8 to 10 October 2017. This unique two day stage ride will see a number of SA’s most recognisable rugby legends hitting the trails in an effort to raise funds for Rugby’s Caring Hands and is a great opportunity for cycling and rugby enthusiasts to ride alongside them.
This MTB experience will see all logistics managed by Chris Willemse Cycles, while Tsogo Sun has been confirmed as the official hospitality partner. A limited number of teams will be in action, with Players’ Fund Chairman and Founder Morné du Plessis as well as Springbok legends John Smit and Joel Stransky all confirmed to participate. The format of the two stage ride promises to build camaraderie and see teams crossing the finish line together with memorable stories to be shared in the pub at the end of the day.
‘Ride 4 Rugby’ is so much more than just a mountain bike ride and boasts a number of great perks, from magnificent limited-access trails, to professional mechanical services and great accommodation at Tsogo Sun’s, the Caledon Hotel and Spa. Funds raised through the ‘Ride 4 Rugby’ experience will be used to assist seriously injured rugby players who need support as they adjust to living life with a disability. This includes mobility equipment, renovations to homes, as well as psychological and emotional support for both the players and their families. In order to keep the cause standing strong for another 37 years, funds need to be raised annually. The aim is for this to be an experience like no other, with the view to growing the event nationally over the next three years.
“We are really excited about this event and very proud to be working with some extremely creditable organisations. The rationale behind ‘Ride 4 Rugby’ is to create something unique, a memorable experience with a purpose. We have seen immense growth in the popularity of mountain biking and it continues to be the chosen ‘retirement plan’ for business professionals and former rugby players. It’s the perfect concept – a great team sport activity with state and the art facilities, the company of sporting icons with a superb backdrop and at the same time raising much needed funds for a worthy cause.”, explains Players’ Fund Founder and current Chairman, Morné du Plessis
“We at Chris Willemse Cycles are extremely honored to be involved with such a prestigious charitable organization. We are looking forward to organizing what we believe will be a truly unique and exciting experience for everyone involved.” explains Chris Willemse, Founder of Chris Willemse Cycles.
“Tsogo Sun has a long history of involvement with sport in South Africa. We’ve been sponsors of SA Rugby for over 20 years, and are proud partners of the Cape Town Cycle Tour and Tsogo Sun Amashova Durban Classic. So when we were approached for this event we did not hesitate to get involved, especially with the selected location at the Caledon Hotel & Spa. We are extremely excited about this first event and look forward to a long association for this worthy cause.” adds John van Rooyen, Operations Director – Tsogo Sun Cape Region.
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