The Zimbabwe Rural Schools Development Programme, a local non-governmental organisation, is coordinating the event scheduled for 20-21 July. The entry fee for the London to Paris cycle race is pegged at £100 per person while the minimum fundraising target is £750 per person. Justin Hess, ZDRSP spokesperson, said the funds raised from the 16-hour cycle, which runs parallel to the popular Tour de France, would assist in building classroom blocks, teachers’ accommodation and boreholes at Davare and Makowe primary schools near Harare.
“The aim is to complete the 200 miles from London to Paris in less than 24h, arriving in time for the last stage of the Tour de France. The route will take you through the scenic regions of south east England and Northern France – potentially battling strong winds, mid-summer heat and numerous steep hills.
“Overall, it will be up to 16 hours in the saddle. This is a great opportunity for completing a tough but very achievable challenge. Last year we had a team of amateur cyclists complete the cycle without too much huff and puff,” said Hess.
Makowe and Davare face a number of challenges such as lack of infrastructure. Most of the residents are subsistence farmers with very little income. The schools are funded by school fees, which are minimal as many families cannot afford to pay for their children’s schooling.
Post published in: News