A determined team of 12 para-athletes is preparing to take on one of South Africa’s toughest cycling events, the Double Century, set to take place in November.
The team, made up of riders with visual and physical impairments, including amputees and athletes using specially adapted bicycles, will compete over the grueling 202 km route not just to finish, but to redefine what inclusion in sport looks like.
Racing under the banner of Purpose, Power and Paddle, the group aims to prove that sport truly belongs to everyone. Supported by a crew of volunteers and sighted pilots, the team represents a growing movement towards accessibility and equal opportunity in competitive cycling.
“This isn’t about medals or headlines,” the team said in an interview with goodguysthings,com. “It’s about access, opportunity, and changing how we define achievement.”
The 2025 Double Century marks the first time a full para-cycling team will take part in the event. Beyond the physical challenge, their mission is to inspire others living with disabilities and raise awareness about inclusive sporting opportunities in South Africa.
To make their participation possible, the team has launched a GivenGain campaign to raise R500,000. The funds will cover essentials such as adaptive gear, team kits, transport, accessible accommodation, nutrition, hydration, and race entry fees.
Supporters and sponsors who share their vision of inclusive sport are encouraged to contribute or follow their journey online. The team plans to share updates through social media, interviews, and community outreach, offering an inspiring glimpse into what can be achieved when determination meets opportunity.
For more information or to support the campaign, visit GivenGain and search for the “Purpose, Power and Paddle” team.
