{"id":163211,"date":"2017-10-09T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-10-09T04:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/163211\/cyclists-go-the-extra-mile-for-a-good-cause\/"},"modified":"2017-10-09T14:56:33","modified_gmt":"2017-10-09T12:56:33","slug":"cyclists-go-the-extra-mile-for-a-good-cause","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/news-headlines\/2017\/10\/09\/cyclists-go-the-extra-mile-for-a-good-cause\/","title":{"rendered":"Cyclists go the extra mile for a good cause"},"content":{"rendered":"

Luso Africa Sports and Cultural Association\u2019s Cycling Division took off for their annual Charity Tour on September 27.<\/p>\n

The annual event, which is in its 10th year, saw 76 cyclists gathering at Hattingh Park in Primrose East for the start of the tour and anniversary celebration.<\/p>

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Before setting off, the cyclists were treated to a special breakfast to celebrate the milestone, organised by the club.<\/p>\n

Family and friends also attended the breakfast send-off, including Consulate General of Portugal Dr Francisco-Xavier de Meireles.<\/p>

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\u201cI praise you all for not only practising the sport for the sake of having fun with friends, but also using it to help those who need it most,\u201d said de Meireles.<\/p>\n

\u201cI applaud your passion over the years, because you have been consistent in doing something great for those in need.\u201d<\/p>\n

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ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n

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He further wished them a safe and blessed trip.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery year we host the race in aid of charity and this year we travelled to Maputo, Mozambique,\u201d said the club\u2019s media representative, Emily Abrantes.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe cyclists covered 685km over four days, arriving in Maputo on September 30.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe funds raised will be donated to one charity in South Africa, St Francis de Assisi Portuguese Old Age Home, and two charities in Mozambique, Miss\u00e3o de S\u00e3o Roque (orphanage) and Sagrado cora\u00e7\u00e3o de Jesus (psychological rehabilitation centre).\u201d<\/p>\n

The GCN caught up with the oldest cyclist, Remo Pasquali (75), who was very excited to take part in the tour.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is my 10th time taking part in the tour and I love it,\u201d said Pasquali.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is a fantastic initiative and it is always well organised.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt keeps me young and I set targets for myself all the time.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love the fact that it is for charity.\u201d<\/p>\n

Abrantes said that the cyclists took part in a circuit race when they got to Mozambique.<\/p>\n

\u201cOn the Sunday morning, we hosted an official circuit race known as the Kermesse, where cyclists from Mozambique, Swaziland and South Africa competed,\u201d said Abrantes.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a successful tour; everything went well, with no injuries or accidents.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe slogan of the tour is \u2018Suar para ajudar\u2019 which means \u2018Sweat to help\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

Breakdown of the tour:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Day One \u2013 Primrose to Groblersdal.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Day Two \u2013 Groblersdal to Lydenburg.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Day Three \u2013 Lydenburg to Malelane.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Day Four \u2013 Malelane to Maputo.<\/p>\n