Tenacious cyclist secures 550 education packs

KNYSNA NEWS - Amid enthusiastic cheering, Knysna welcomed home a true hero on Thursday 18 April.

Olebogeng Boitumelo Kgengwe, fondly known as Ole, triumphantly completed of his remarkable journey to raise money for education packs for needy children.

Battling against a heavy storm on the first day of his marathon cycle, Ole encountered numerous obstacles, including fallen trees, impassable paths and raging rivers.

However, fuelled by determination and a passion for his cause, he persevered.

Knysna was there to celebrate his return, grateful for his incredible feat and the support he received. Together, they have secured an astounding 550 education packs.

Ole's journey was nothing short of extraordinary. Setting off on 6 April, he embarked on a 1 600km cycling odyssey, tracing the Western Cape 50 Passes 1 000 Miler route.

Starting in Knysna, his path wound through Swellendam, Cape Town and Oudtshoorn, including a staggering 23,390m of vertical ascent. Undeterred by the challenges that lay ahead, Ole was driven by his commitment to helping those in need through the power of cycling.

Ole's cycling journey demonstrated the dedication to bettering the community.

Ole believes that riding has the power to alter people's lives, since it has changed his own. Motivated by his own experiences, he started on this epic expedition with a distinct objective: to raise funds for educational packs that the Knysna Education Trust's (Ket) preschool intervention programme would provide to kids in underprivileged areas.

The programme assists kids who have fallen behind in reaching their developmental milestones by giving them the resources they need to succeed in school and achieve academic success.

Ole says his journey would not have been possible without the support of countless individuals. The community of Knysna came together to celebrate his return and express their gratitude for his efforts.

Olebogeng Boitumelo Kgengwe arrived back in Knysna on 18 April after completing the Western Cape 50 Passes 1 000 Miler route to raise money for education.