Rosewood Academy takes on Desert Dash

ROSEWOOD Academy, a Windhoek-based private educational institution will be taking on the mighty Nedbank Desert Dash to raise money.

The academy, which has about 165 registered pupils, is known for its inclusive educational philosophy and is the culmination of 20 years of growth built on integrated education and child-centred teaching and learning.

The academy is asking well-wishers to sponsor their Desert Dash cycling team to raise money for the academy after a significant drop in tuition revenue. This, combined with Covid-19 related challenges has seen the the academy finding itself in a difficult financial position.

However, Rosewood is not giving up, despite these challenges.

“The Nedbank Desert Dash is a purely Namibian event that presents the ultimate challenge – crossing the Namib Desert on a bicycle. We couldnt think of a more fitting event as a fundraiser for a school facing the ultimate challenge of providing affordable, inclusive education to learners who need it most,” says the Academys marketing coordinator, Abassier Leukes.

Leukes says Rosewood is seeking sponsors who will pledge an amount of N$12 for every kilometre the team completes over the 393 km long course.

“This will mean that if the Rosewood Academy team completes the race, we will accumulate roughly one learners monthly school fees from each sponsor, total per sponsor N$4 716. And although this is our target amount per sponsor, any sponsorship, financial or otherwise, will be highly appreciated,” says Leukes.

With a team of experienced cyclists, namely, Allan Vivier, Ian Grassow, Sarel Boshoff and Des Döman, Rosewood is confident that the academy will reach its fund-raising goal. The cycling team say they are ready for the challenge and looking forward to the Dash.

After Döman started cycling in 2014 to improve his fitness, he began to really enjoy cycling and took part in his first Dash in 2014. Since then, he has managed podiums in four-person and two-person categories. This years race will be his eighth Desert Dash.

“Training is going very well, although one will never be as fit as youd like to be. On the day, you can only do your best.

“Why do we as a team support the school? To lend a helping hand to a school is a great privilege and opportunity to build the future.”

Boshoff took up cycling as a way of improving his quality of life.

“I started around 2010, got addicted to the sport and the awesome cycling community. I have been part of this ever since, and Ive done the Desert Dash a couple of times; as a team member or solo, its always great fun.”

Grassow started mountain biking in 2003.

“I have done multiple Dashes in the past, and I have been training for most of the year. I just need to do a few more long rides to sharpen up,” he says.

Vivier started cycling in 2012, simply as a way to lose some weight.

“At first I had to push my bike up most of the hills. My weight was 98kg at the time, which Ive reduced to about 77kg now. Cycling has become a healthy addiction. I did my first Desert Dash in 2013 as part of a two-man team. Since then, I have finished eight consecutive Dashes (four two-man teams and four solos).”

This will be Viviers ninth Dash and his first as part of a four-man team.

For more information, contact Abassier Leukes via email at marketing@rosewood.edu.na, 081 642 8521 or rosewood.edu.na.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.