Organisers of the Bestmed Cycle4Cansa Championship have launched a new initiative to boost funds for the Cancer Association of South Africa when the event celebrates its 20th anniversary at Sun City this month.

The cycling festival in the North-West Province has raised more than R3.6-million for Cansa since its inception and organisers are hoping to build on that through the #WeCAN - Riding for Survivors campaign.

Outlining the concept, ASG Events spokesperson Sonett de Villiers said that, apart from the usual proceeds, it was just another way to assist Cansa nationwide in their efforts to combat the disease.

"After entering the race, participants will have an opportunity to challenge anyone else to match their entry fee by making an equivalent donation to Cansa."

De Villiers added that donations were not limited to riders and that anyone could contribute any amount by visiting the campaign on the event's Facebook page.

She urged participants and the public to spread the word by sharing the campaign as widely as possible while tagging possible contributors.

The title sponsors of the event - which takes place on August 19 and 20 in and around the Pilanesberg resort - said their top priority was to encourage their members to live healthier and more active lifestyles.

"Our partnership with Cycle4Cansa has provided a great opportunity to do so over the years," said Bestmed's marketing executive Chris Luyt.

"With August being declared Cansa Care Month, we hope to go the extra mile by encouraging entrants to make a donation over and above their entrance fee and inspiring friends and family to do the same.

"We are committed to the cause and will continue to support all those affected by cancer in all possible ways."

The feature race of the Bestmed Cycle4Cansa festival is a premier seeding event for the Cape Town Cycle Tour and De Villiers added that the offering provided the ideal opportunity to shake off winter cobwebs.

This includes 25km and 50km mountain bike races on the Saturday and 70km and 103km road races on the Sunday.

De Villiers said they were readying themselves for a significant increase in entries for the anniversary edition and were hoping it would translate into a major contribution for Cansa.

A special commemorative medal had been designed for the occasion, she said.

"Bestmed have also donated special edition pink arm warmers, which are on sale during the online entry process. Proceeds from these will also go to Cansa."

She said the casino resort have played a major role in the event's success.

"Apart from convenient and safe parking, a variety of family entertainment options are on offer for when the racing is done." This, she said, included free entry into the Valley of Waves.

Sun City have also put together special accommodation packages for the Friday and Saturday evenings, which include breakfast and dinner.

Visit www.cansalostcity.co.za for more information. Entries close at midnight on Thursday.

Caption: Mountain bikers competing in the Bestmed Cycle4Cansa Championship at Sun City on August 19 have been encouraged through the #WeCAN - Riding for Survivors campaign to challenge others to match their entry with a donation to Cansa. Photo: The Citizen