The 3rd Vusa Cycathlon organised by Bishops Prep was officially opened this morning by OD Andrew 'Tank' Lanning (1989S). The ODA atttended the inauguration of the event which was at 0900 today 02 September 2023.  He managed to capture in photographs some of the ODs taking part, the above photograph being one of many (to feature on the ODU social media).

For more details of Vusa and its relationship to Bishops, please go to https://www.vusarugbyacademy.com/vusa24 

Mr Tony Reeler the 15th Principal of Bishops welcomed everyone and thanked them for their participation, particularly Nikki Matthews of the Trust and Brendan Fogarty of the Prep, who drive this initiative.  Teams from all over are participating, parents, students, ODs and Staff ... all to support this amazing cause here at Bishops.  A Vusa tournament has been organised for the day ... played in wintry conditions, even though we are into our second day of Spring in Cape Town!

Also participating in the event is the current OD Chairman, Martin Bey (1990B) as well as Dedry Weich (ODU Cape Town Staff) as a member of the Red Hot Chilli Pedlars, a team of amazing moms.  

It is at a time like this, especially, that one can never forget OD Nick Koster (2007F) whose passion was Vusa.  Sadly Nick died earlier this year. 

The following was said about Nick at his College in Cambridge (Queens): "Nick was passionate about the positive impact rugby can have on young peoples' lives. Administration and financial governance of all VUSA programmes are managed by Bishops Diocesan College, where Nick excelled as a schoolboy rugby player and went on to become Head Boy. While studying Social Innovation at Cambridge, Nick wrote his Master's thesis on VUSA's work".

More about Vusa, from Queens in Cambridge: "VUSA provides a structured after-school programme for vulnerable children in Langa, an under-resourced community of Cape Town where substance abuse and crime is rife. VUSA uses rugby and education to address these issues early on in a child's life. It allows youth to release energy and build positive peer relationships. It teaches lessons about respect, punctuality, teamwork - skills which are critical and will benefit them through their lives. Rugby increases confidence, a lack of which creates a huge barrier for mental health issues. A digital English & Maths programme helps participants revise school curriculum content and progress at their own pace." 

Each weekday the Vusa bus equipped with electronic teaching equipment and media travels to Langa, as a mobile classroom.  For more on it please go to https://www.vusarugbyacademy.com/atlasdigibus

One can only be very proud and humbled by our ODs who are involved with Vusa, to bring great joy to young persons at a challenging time in their lives. 

The cycathlon today is certainly a great example.