Meet the team that will inspire a nation…
Rider: Ana Paula Dias de Souze Coelho
Nationality: Brazilian
Age: 45
Training and Occupation: Nutritionist with a Postgraduate degree in Sports Psychology.
Quote: “I am longing to share this feeling of happiness by doing something that is in my heart, transmitting it and inspiring people to seek greater meaning in life.”
Instagram: @Anapauladiasmynutry
DONATE HERE
Rider: Adele Verwey
Nationality: South Africa
Age: 39
Biggest Physical Challenge:Comrades 2013 stood out for me as the toughest. My dad was fighting brain cancer during the time that I had to prepare for Comrades.
Training and Occupation: Swimming Teacher
Quote: “I have a passion for making a difference. I have been working with kids for 20 years now. If we can't make a difference, then why are we doing what we do?”
DONATE HERE!
Rider: Anton Neethling
Nationality: South African
Age: 44
Biggest Physical Challenge: What hasn’t he done! Has 6 Ironmans, two double centuries, two Comrades and a Robben Island Swim under his belt.
Training and Occupation: Owns his own business as a family law attorney.
Quote: “Over the past 8 years or so, I have taken on many, ever more challenging, crazy adventures. I have done them to test and challenge myself, and to make my family proud; but I haven’t yet harnessed my efforts for the benefit of others.I can think of no better way of doing that than via Unogwaja.”
Instagram: @Antonneethling
DONATE HERE!
Rider: Catherine Hanauer
Nationality: South African
Age: 41
Biggest Physical Challenge/Achievement:5000km cycle through South America!
Occupation: Anethetist
Quote:“Been involved and witnessed from the sidelines since the inception... this (movement) is amazing and will be EVEN better in 2020.”
DONATE HERE!
Rider: Craig Carolan
Nationality: South African
Age: 47
Biggest Physical Challenge: Ironman 70.3, Kruger to Canyon Ultra Trail run, Wolkberg Sky Run.
Occupation: Owner of an educational consultancy.
Quote: “I believe firmly in what Unogwaja stands for and what John's McInroy vision for it was and what the partnership with Community Chest now is trying to achieve. I want to make a difference in peoples’ lives-mostly through education.
Instagram: @craigcarolan
DONATE HERE!
Rider: Colin Chaplin
Nationality: South African
Age: 44
Biggest Physical Challenge: Hiked the Chemin De Liberte from France over the Pyrenees into Spain.
Occupation: Founder of Woodleys Literary Service.
Quote: “I believe that this is a journey that will allow me to contribute to others and make a meaningful contribution to society while at the same time challenge me both mentally and physically.”
Instagram: @colinianchaplin
DONATE HERE!
Rider: Deon Scheppel
Nationality: South African
Age: 42
Biggest Physical Challenge: Ironman Copenhagen
Occupation: National L&D manager for Exercise for Virgin Active SA.
Quote: “I would not measure my life in rands or cents… but rather in experiences and the positive impact I can have on my children's lives, and on the lives of others”
Instagram: @deonscheppel
DONATE HERE!
Rider: Dinilesizwe Gudlindlu
Nationality: South African
Age: 36
Biggest Physical Challenge: Washie 100 Miler from Port Alfred to East London.
Occupation: Site Manager for Waves for Change in Khayelitsha.
Quote: “Our country faces enormous challenges, and it is up to us as citizens to tackle some of those challenges. I would like to do my bit towards nation-building by giving others a hand up.”
DONATE HERE!
Rider: Dionisio Silvestre
Nationality: Brazilian
Age: 55
Biggest Physical Challenge: The Way of Faith (Caminho da Fé) in Brazil (320km).
Occupation: Retired
Quote: “I completed 8 Comrades Marathon and followed the journeys of friends Nato Amaral and Ricardo Almeida at Unogwaja Challenge. I would like to follow in the footsteps of friends and contribute to the project.”
Instagram: @dsfj.silvestre
DONATE HERE!
Rider: Felipe Huggler
Nationality: Brazilian
Age: 36
Biggest Physical Challenge/Achievement: Back to back Comrades.
Quote: “My major motivation is to help children and to serve as inspiration for others - as well as my son!”
Instagram: @huggler
DONATE HERE!
Rider: Jana Hawran – Previous crew 2017/2018
Nationality: German
Age: 31
Biggest Physical Challenge: 300 kilometre road-bike race across the Alps.
Occupation: Physiotherapist
Quote: “We can make a difference through our actions… it’s our duty to help those in need and share resources we are blessed with.”
Instagram: @janatijee
DONATE HERE!
Rider: Kate Turner
Nationality: South African
Age: 39
Gender: Female
Biggest Physical Challenge: The Ironman in 2016.
Occupation: Freelancer in the ad industry.
Quote: “I love a challenge, I love riding my bike and would love to do it for a good cause.”
Instagram: @turnakat
DONATE HERE!
Rider: Kirsten Wilkins
TEAM LEADER 2020: Former Unogwaja rider 2017.
Nationality: South African
Age: 42
Biggest Physical Challenge: Crashed my bicycle and cracked my spine and coming back from that to ride was very challenging.
Occupation: Urban Designer
Quote: “This new story is beautiful. I know it’s ebbs and flows, and I am drawn to being part of something that will be resilient in adversity and succeed.”
Instagram: @Iamkrismis
DONATE HERE!
Rider: Lee-Ann Persse
TEAM LEADER 2020: Former Unogwaja rider 2018.
Nationality: South African
Age: 31
Biggest Physical Challenge: The Comrades in 2018 after Unogwaja.
Quote: “My why is that doing Unogwaja in 2018 changed my life, my outlook on life and I met the most amazing people who are now my family! I want to be a part of Unogwaja for years to come and make my family as big and as full of love as possible. Spread love and hope wherever I go.”
Instagram: @leepersse
DONATE HERE!
Rider: Marcio Aparecido Barbosa
Nationality: Brazilian
Age: 42
Biggest Physical Challenge: Participation in the SAMURAI Uphill Marathon challenge in 2018 for the second consecutive year.
Quote: “Reading former Unogwaja’s Nato Amaral’s book 90km, as well as Unogwaja by Ricardo Almeida, helped me understand the essence of what Comrades is, participating in Unogwaja is simply following my heart.”
Instagram: @marciobarbosa1978
DONATE HERE!
Rider: Mark Pickering
Nationality: South African
Age: 34
Biggest Physical Challenge: Climbing Kilimanjaro in 2012.
Occupation: Director of boarding at Somerset College, history teacher and hockey coach.
Quote: “I work with children everyday and feel that I inspire them to do more and be more. Through Unogwaja 2020 I want to work with people outside of my school, my neighbourhood, and through this inspire the children at my school to do the same.”
Instagram: @Mark_unogwaja
DONATE HERE!
Rider: Micheen Thornycroft
Nationality: Zimbabwean
Age: 32
Biggest Physical Challenge: Last few weeks of rowing training before the Rio Olympic Games.
Quote: “I love that a story can bring a community together to make a difference for others who are already working towards something, it just gives them the added boost that we all need at some point in our lives - it’s not just giving...it’s supporting.”
Instagram: @Mousethorny
DONATE HERE!
Rider: Mlungisi Wosiyana
Nationality: South African
Age: 44
Biggest Physical Challenge: Completed 12 Comrades Marathons.
Quote: “I do a lot of youth coaching, sports development for youth in underprivileged areas and fundraising for community organisations that help vulnerable people.”
Instagram: @mluwosiyana
DONATE HERE!
Rider: Ross Lutsch
Nationality: South African
Age: 37
Biggest Physical Challenge: Did the Full Ironman in 10 hours 37 minutes!
Quote: “I'm the most positive person you'll ever meet, doesn't matter how much I'm suffering you'll still see me with a smile every day.”
Instagram: @rosslutsch
DONATE HERE!
Rider: Sipho Marima
Nationality: South African
Age: 29
Experience: Comrades Marathon!
Quote: “My why is "For Change"...I am an individual who aspire to see a country, a world where we fight for each other's well being and comfort. If I have the potential to push myself beyond limits for the benefit of others, then I have the greatest gift in the world.”
Instagram: @Sipho_Marima
DONATE HERE!
Rider: Stacey Hobson Pilkington
Nationality: South African
Age: 30
Biggest Physical Challenge: CT Cycle Tour.
Quote: “It would be amazing to spread the word in the Netherlands about Unogwaja. Describing how handouts are not the answer, but that education and facilitation are the key factors for the future.”
Instagram: @sbhobson
DONATE HERE!
Rider: Taryn Opperman
Nationality: South African
Age: 37
Biggest Physical Challenge: Ironman African Championship 2019 and the Comrades Marathon.
Quote: “2019 was very much a year about me and achieving my dreams, goals and some bucket list items, 2020 should be a year about personal growth, but more so helping others realise their dreams (whether that is being able to attend school or find a job or being able to put food on the table for a struggling family!).”
Instagram: @tarynopperman
DONATE HERE!
Rider: Tristan Bergh
Nationality: South African
Age: 49
Biggest Physical Challenge: Toughest physical challenge was riding as a rouleur-domestique for a serious attempt at winning the Coronation Double Century in the Mixed category.
Quote: “A team functions successfully when its intentions are clearly communicated, its members feel safe, comfortable and happy bringing their unique contributions and when its members feel safe, happy and comfortable communicating their individual experiences within the team.”
Instagram: @spikyegg
DONATE HERE!
Head of Crew: Jessica Bentley (Unogwaja Crew in 2016 and 2017)
Nationality: South African
Age: 29
Instagram: @jessbentley64
Crew: Robert Goslett (4 Unogwaja trips as crew)
Nationality: South African
Age: 29
Instagram: @enhancedsports and @esmedia.za
Crew: Zachary Zinn
Nationality: South African
Age: 21
Instagram: @zaczinn
Crew: Jonty Thomas (3rd trip as Unogwaja crew)
Nationality: South African
Age: 25
Instagram: @jonty_thomas
Crew: Zoliswa Limba
Nationality: South African
Age: 45
Instagram: @zoliswalimba
DONATE HERE!
Crew: Sipho Mgobozi
Nationality: South African
Age: 35
Instagram: @dirango07
Crew: Hayley Elcombe
Nationality: South African
Age: 23
Instagram: @stretchingsageorge
Crew: Luthando Roxo
Nationality: South African
Age: 26
Instagram: @Itsluthando
DONATE HERE!
Crew: Jabulani Zondo
Nationality: South African
Photographer: Jeff Ayliffe (2 Unogwaja trips as crew)
Nationality: South African
Instagram: @jeffayliffe