Maties to ride cycle tour for bursaries

Maties100 members Professor Wim de Villiers, middle, Nicky Giliomee, left, and Carinus Lemmer, right, are looking for more cyclists to ride the Cape Town Cycle Tour in March 2018 with them in aid of bursaries.

A team from Stellenbosch University, which will include rector and vice-chancellor Professor Wim de Villiers, is to participate in the Cape Town Cycle Tour, on Sunday March 11, to raise funds for student bursaries.

“I would like to invite all keen cyclists to join me, and former Springbok cyclist Carinus Lemmer, as well as Nicky Giliomee, chair of Maties Cycling, on the starting line in support of this worthy cause,” Professor De Villiers says to alumni.

Stellenbosch University will be marking its centenary next year, and aims to raise at least R1 million in bursary support by means of the #Maties100 campaign based around sporting events.

“By joining the #Maties100 team, you will be doing your bit to provide opportunities for the next generation of talented Stellenbosch graduates making an impact globally,” Professor De Villiers says.

The campaign is aimed at alumni, students, staff and friends of Stellenbosch University, who can show their support by either riding along or making a donation. Cyclists who already have entered for the Cycle Tour can switch to the #Maties100-group.

For those who have missed the registration deadline for this popular event, this initiative is a way of still participating. Charity groups usually start before open groups in the Cape Town Cycle Tour.

There are three ways to help Maties raise bursaries:

Secure your place in the 2018 Cape Town Cycle Tour for R3 000, payable to Stellenbosch University. R800 of this covers your entry fee, a further R800 is for the cost of a #Maties100 cycling shirt and supporter’s T-shirt, with the balance to be donated for bursaries.

If you have already registered for the 2018 Cape Town Cycle Tour, you can still join the #Maties100 group by paying the University the difference (R2 460) between the standard entry fee and their Charity Group fee. If you get an earlier seeded starting time, you would be welcome to start in that group wearing your Maties shirt, or you can drop down to ride with the #Maties100 group.

Those who do not wish to ride, could still make a donation. Many cyclists are willing and able to take on this challenge, but cannot afford the entry fee. A donation of R3 000 per rider could get their wheels rolling.

“Thank you for your support of this once in a lifetime opportunity marking Stellenbosch University’s centenary. Let us go forward together for bursaries,” Professor De Villiers said.

Visit http://bit.ly/Maties100 for more information, or liaise with Marvin Koopman at marvin@sun.ac.za or 021 808 9265.