The kids in the Songo programme visited Kenilworth on Saturday, for a repeat of the BMX Match Races that were held for the first time in 2019.
Last year, the jockeys were comprehensively beaten by kids ranging in age from 10 to 16 (including a girl).
Whether the jockeys selected their team more carefully, or whether they actually got around to riding bicycles in the interim, the affair was a much tighter contest this year, with the scores ending on a tie.
Is Sean Veale signalling V for victory, or Varsfontein, or perhaps even Veale?
In one of the earlier match-ups, Sean Veale (perhaps inspired by riding in Suzette Viljoen’s colours) neutralised the threat of Songo’s top rider, Zizo Tshingana, beating him home in a close finish.
Richard Fourie and Aldo Domeyer were in superb form throughout, demonstrating that their athletic ability isn’t limited to riding racehorses.
The racing was competitive, especially on the tight parade ring turns. All the racing, though, was done in great spirit, and Grant Knowles delivered many laughs as commentator.
Owners made donations in lieu of jockeys riding the races in their colours, with the funds benefitting the Songo programme.
Songo was founded in 2008, with the aim of building brighter futures for children in the Kayamandi community. Supporting the children’s formal education through tutoring and homework support is the primary focus, along with sport and life skills.
It’s a highly focused programme, intensively working with 50 children, and it’s in constant evolution in a quest to deliver the most impact to the community.
