Pacelines and pelotons are things of the past for another year. The aQuellé Tour Durban is done and dusted, at least until the pedal-pushing brigade jostle for pre-eminence on the road races up the M4 and back in April next year.
Much of the success of events like this depends on a small army of volunteers who brave the long hours and the vagaries of the weather. Two stalwarts of the registration days for the past 22 years are Glenmore residents, Gerald and Dianne Hall, both in their 80s. “We put up our hands every year to be part of this event which not only gives so many people, cyclists and spectators, great enjoyment, but also gives the money raised to charity., “said Gerald. Dianne chimed in with, “And it’s a great place to meet new people!”
At the other end of the generation scale is Faith Whittle, a 20-year old intern teacher at Chelsea Prep who, rather than doling out refreshments along the route or checking cyclists’ registration forms in the run-up to Race Day, mounted up and competed in the 28km event. What had motivated her to ride? “I am pretty competitive, but at the heart of my wish to participate was also because I knew that the proceeds of the event would be going to The Domino Foundation where I have been involved in many ways over the years”.
Domino’s marketing manager, Karen Brokensha commented that the 2025 iteration of aQuellé Tour Durban saw 70 volunteers in some capacity turn out with energy, stamina and great attitudes. “Occasions like this iconic event are very exciting to part of, but NPOs like ourselves are so dependent on our volunteer supporters throughout the year as well. Even when the tasks they are asked to do may not get them shouting from the rooftops, there is so much satisfaction in being part of the answer to another person’s problems. The beneficiaries Domino works with are almost all underserved people in our communities. Every volunteer can add something special to those people’s lives”. Karen encouraged anyone wishing to become a volunteer to contact Zam Mkhwanazi at hello @ domino.org.za or on 031 110 7030.
