The sport of BMXing has the potential to change lives in South Africa, so when Euphoria Telecom had the opportunity to get involved in supporting the Overberg BMX Club (OBC), we jumped at the chance.
Euphoria’s relationship with the club dates back to 2021, when we started sponsoring track maintenance and signage, and assisting with fundraising. More than just a place where youngsters go to ride their bikes, the club is helping to break down social barriers and building strong connections across the Overberg region and beyond. For a company in the business of community development, it was a perfect CSI initiative for Euphoria Telecom to get involved in.
Founded in 2018 by champion BMX rider Rikus Muller, the Overberg BMX Club is situated in the famous, whale-watching tourist hotspot of Hermanus, located 120 kilometres from Cape Town. Nestled at the base of the beautiful Fernkloof Nature Reserve, the club was completed in early 2021 and then expanded in 2023/4/5.
The picturesque track brings people of all backgrounds together while providing a safe environment in which youngsters from economically disadvantaged areas can participate in a healthy and accessible sport. Many of these rising stars come from impoverished areas where resources are limited. BMXing provides club members with a positive outlet that keeps them fit and focused. As part of its community outreach initiatives, the club loans bikes and riding gear to under 18s who don’t have access to their own equipment. This is accompanied by free training sessions.
When most people think of Hermanus they think of blissful beach excursions and grand holiday houses. But the reality is that the town is characterised by major socio-economic divisions. “The goal of building the track was to create an inclusive space that is accessible for all the kids around us,” says Rickus. “When you line up at the start gate with seven other riders around you, it doesn’t really matter where you come from. The guy who is the fastest and gets over the line first, is the winner.”
Rickus and his dedicated team have built the club into something truly special and members proudly take ownership of this shared space by keeping the track in top shape. The atmosphere around the track during competitions is fun and festive with parents, friends and family members coming through to cheer members on and offer support.
To help foster this sense of community, Euphoria Telecom has sponsored a shipping container, which is used to secure bikes and store maintenance tools. But it will also form the cornerstone of a planned clubhouse and viewing pavilion where members and guests can catch all of the adrenaline-pumping action and have a great time together.
It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to assist the Overberg BMX Club over the past four years. Working with the club to facilitate community-building and foster solid cross-cultural connections is something that aligns with Euphoria’s ethos through and through -and we look forward to seeing the club into its next phase of its growth and development.
Watch this video to get a sense of what the club is all about. And you can make a donation to the cause, of any amount, by scanning the SnapScan QR code that pops up at the end of the clip. The code has also been placed below.
The Overberg BMX Club is a non-profit initiative. All donations go directly towards track maintenance, the sponsorship of much-needed riding equipment, team clothing and club development.
Please note that the OBC track is open to members of the public for a nominal entry fee of just R20. This fee can be paid by scanning the same OBC SnapScan QR code.
So go on South Africa – do the RIDE thing and get behind the Overberg BMX Club, today!
