Getting endorphins pumping for mental health
Sun City GM’s Kasi Ride raises awareness of crucial health issues
CAPTION: Front and centre, Brett Hoppé, at the start of the 2022 Sun City GM’s Kasi Ride
Sun City Resort is raising awareness about mental health within its doorstep communities with their second annual event dedicated to getting endorphins pumping, the Sun City GM’s Kasi Ride.
Sun City staff and neighbouring communities will join forces with hotel residents and representatives from partners such as the Department of Health and the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, to run, walk or cycle to draw attention to the issue of mental health, which can include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders and addictive behaviours. Last year’s event was attended by 1 500 participants.
Members of the Soshanguve Cycling Club will once again ride 147km from Pretoria to Rustenburg the day before the event to join Sun City General Manager Brett Hoppé and the rest of the community, in supporting the cause on Sunday October 29.
Activities, which start from 5am and continue until 6pm, include a five-kilometre family fun walk, 10km or a 26km marathon, and for those who prefer an iron steed, there is a choice between a 26km or a 56km cycling route.
The cycle route goes through three villages surrounding Sun City – Chaneng, Mogwase and Ledig.
“We have a great line up of guest speakers and live entertainment to enlighten and engage our guests during Mental Health Awareness Month in South Africa,” said Hoppé.
Hoppé, himself a keen cyclist who will join in on the action, said mental health issues affected people from all walks of life, and at all levels across businesses. “This event raises the importance of good mental health as a human right,” he said. “By prioritising mental health in the workplace, employers can help their workers to flourish and reach their full potential, which is what businesses need to thrive.”
“We have a close relationship with our doorstep communities – we rely on them to provide staff and they rely on Sun City to provide employment. It is a privilege and a pleasure to be able to give back to our neighbours through activities like the GM Kasi Ride as well as our many other social economic development programmes.”
“We will be providing cycling clinics which teach community members how to ride bicycles correctly and safely; introducing skills such as being vigilant on the road and demonstrating how they can ride properly without being hurt.” The 15-minute sessions will be beneficial for commuter adults or school children, as well as those who ride as a hobby.
The event is free for hotel guests, staff, and the neighbouring communities, and is open to all ages. For registration, visit suncity.co.za.