Joined by local cycling enthusiasts as well as prominent business men and women, the fund-raising cycle - dubbed Virgin Active’s “Ride with Richard” – took place in Kleinmond, Western Cape and was powered by Cycle Lab, the largest cycling retailer in South Africa. It consisted of an easy 20km road route to and from the Arabella Hotel & Spa and was followed by a brunch and charity auction.
Branson says, “The Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship and JAG Foundation are close to my heart. This is because they invest in young people’s potential of being an entrepreneur, or by helping them overcome difficulty through sports development. I am thrilled that so many local riders and sporting legends could join me on the day to support such an important cause.”
Founded in 2006, The Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship supports and encourages bold, tenacious entrepreneurs to grow and expand their businesses to help create the many jobs required in South Africa as well as grow the country’s tax base. It is based in Braamfontein, Johannesburg and has trained and supported 416 entrepreneurs on its free training programmes.
The JAG Foundation on the other hand uses sport as a catalyst to teach children to engage in physical activity and learn its values so that they can become holistic and healthy individuals with positive alternative life choices.
All proceeds raised from the fun ride and auction were donated to the charities so they can further their efforts in South Africa.
For more information about Virgin Unite and The Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship visit
www.bransoncentre.org or
www.jagfoundation.org.za for The JAG Foundation.