???One family. Ten cyclists. Six days. Six hundred kilometres.
Stellenbosch 肆客足球 (SU) lecturer Dr Marietjie Lutz is back in the fundraising saddle, and this year she aims to raise at least R100 000 with her Wheels of Opportunity (WOOP25) campaign to generate funds for talented but underprivileged science students.
Last year, Lutz and her family raised R75 000 for the campaign – surpassing the initial R60 000 target. “This incredible response reinforced the importance of our cause and inspired us to take on the challenge again," says Lutz.
Prof Burtram Fielding, Dean of the Faculty of Science, says Lutz is "not just an academic; she is a force of nature." Of her ambitious goal he says: "Lutz cares about more than just our students' academic success, she understands that investing in their lives creates a ripple effect that reaches their families and communities. It takes a special kind of dedication to take on South Africa's extreme weather and the occassional wildlife encounter, all in the name of student support."
After completing their first Cape Town Cycle Tour earlier this month on mountain bikes, the Woop25 team - comprising Lutz and her husband, Dani?l, her eldest son, Ben (industrial engineering student at SU), her second son, Jan (BCom management Sciences student at SU), her daughter Isabel, in Grade 11 at Bloemhof and the youngest, Dani?l, who is in Grade 8 at Paul Roos Gymnasium – are preparing to cycle again from George to Cape Town.
Last year, they had to contend with temperatures of over 40°C and strong headwinds, as well as a close encounter with an overzealous kudu. But Lutz says this year the team is better prepared logistically and strategically.
They start their gruelling journey on Sunday, 30 March.
“Building on last year's success, we've made a few exciting changes to the 2025 ride. Most notably, we've grown our team from six to ten riders, which means an even greater collective effort in fundraising and spreading awareness."
Lutz says she decided to continue with the WOOP fundraiser because of the incredible success of last year and the importance of raising awareness about the financial struggles many science students face. “These students have immense potential but are often held back by financial constraints. By riding for WOOP, we hope to highlight their need for support and encourage more people to invest in their academic futures. Through WOOP, we are not just cycling; we are opening doors of opportunity for students who deserve a chance to reach their full academic potential."
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