Meet the Challengers:

My name is Ryno Hartman and I am 38 years old. I am an accountant with my own practice, married to Maudie and we have two sons, Ruan and Dean. My first passion was rugby until an injury cut my career short. I started cycling a year ago and after the first race I was hooked. I competed with the 2009 Challengers in a couple of races and from the start I could see that something special was going on here and I wanted to be involved. Thanks to Darren and Alwyn for making me a part of something so special.

Werner Swanepoel is a 37 year old ex-Springbok Rugby Player currently involved at Optimum Financial Service as Marketing Director and Financial Planner. His motivation to do the Challenge derives from the good cause it represents and the fact that his wife told him his tummy was starting to resemble that of their 15 month old boy. Werner’s motto in life is ‘Live a Little’ and it sure sounds like the Challenge will live up to it.

Liezel van der Westhuizen is a TV and Radio presenter with a passion for triathlon and cycling. Liezel brings her passion and excitement to the sport and to the team. She may not be the fastest in the team but you can see her smile a mile away. Liezel is always willing to lend a hand and jumped at the chance to be a part of the 14 Check Challenge.

Dean Stockenstrom was the youngest triathlete in his age group to complete the Ultimate endurance race -The Full Ironman in PE. Dean immediately fell in love with the triathlon when he was told about it by a friend. Dean also works for Troisport, the number 1 triathlon shop in JHB. Dean’s passion for helping others is what got him involved with the 14 Check Challenge.

Henre Pretorius is a 33 year old dad and television producer. His company creates on-air marketing material for Super Sport...but he’s not really that sporty...or super. Luckily this is about to change. Although a “committed” cyclist and swimmer at school he had never really taken it seriously. The 2009 14 Check Challengers inspired him and he is looking forward to join them on their quest to change the world... one kilometre at a time.

Hilton Scheffel is half Scottish, half Dutch – but there is nothing half baked there. Originally from Knysna, this adrenalin junkie and surfer has the ocean flowing through his veins. The only surfing he gets to do at the moment is on the Net – but his son and wife keep him at the peak of life’s wave. Connecting with friends, nature and those in need are part of his core, and the 14 Check Challenge provides the perfect platform for this.

Darren Herbst is 32, married with 2 children. His family property business is directly involved in Pennyville and manages various sections of the project. Sport is a passion and in his younger days Darren was one of the top track athletes; nowadays it has become a fun way to relax and keep off the kilos. One of the founders of the Challenge, Darren is committed to making a difference in children’s lives. “We can all change a life one step at a time and transform the nation one child at a time.”

Marnewicke Loubser 27 and lives for challenges, hence I got married recently. I followed and supported the 14 Check Challenge last year, it was awesome seeing the camaraderie of all the challengers and seeing people pull together to try and make a difference. It was also very frustrating, being an absolute sports freak and did not only want to watch, but join.  This year I got my opportunity to join a fine group of athletes and I’m grabbing it with both hands.  I cannot wait to start, doing what I love and making a difference for our youth… what more can you ask for!  If you are wondering how you can make a difference…. It starts Here!

Letshego Moshoeu 25 yrs old, a former contestant and runner-up of ETV Fear Factor season one. She is a health freak of note and an avid runner for the Fourways running club. She has completed in the Argus Cycle Tour and the 94.7 Cycle Challenge on two occasions and completed numerous marathons including the 2010 Two Oceans. She has just graduated in Biokinetics and is currently doing her internship with ABSA.

Gugu Zulu 32, Former Car Torque presenter and 2x SA National Rally Champion for Class A5 and current Class A7 competitor, is another die-hard adrenalin junkie who has been participating in motorsport for the past 8 years as a professional and has won numerous accolades in his climb through the ranks. The 2010 14 Check Challenge will give Gugu the opportunity to raise awareness of the need to monitor one’s carbon footprint by planting trees for every kilometer he covers in the 14 Check Challenge