As a valued partner of the South African Hall of Fame, Medihelp Medical Scheme was all in for The 2025 CEO Cycle Challenge – entering two dynamic and determined Medihelp teams and stepping up as the sponsor of the event’s first women’s team captained by Vanes-Mari du Toit and Karla Pretorius. The women’s team also went on to reign supreme clocking a total of 385.66 km!
Medihelp’s efforts didn’t stop on the bikes; they also placed third on the fundraising leaderboard by raising an additional R30 000,00 in support of the Legacy Project, an initiative by the South African Hall of Fame to support talented children with limited resources.
We asked Varsha Vala, Principal Officer at Medihelp, to share what The CEO Cycle Challenge meant to their team and how it connects to Medihelp’s broader purpose.
What inspired Medihelp to take part in The 2025 CEO Cycle Challenge?
“At Medihelp, we believe that health is more than just access to medical care. It’s about empowering people to live fuller, healthier lives,” Vala explains.
“The CEO Cycle Challenge was a natural fit for us. It promotes movement and physical wellbeing. But more importantly, it’s about collective impact. Every pedal stroke meant we were contributing to something much bigger – giving talented children the resources they need to pursue their full potential. That aligns perfectly with our values of excellence, compassion, collaboration, and transparency.”
How does your participation reflect Medihelp’s approach to wellness?
“Wellness, to us, is holistic. It’s about the body, the mind, and the sense of belonging to something greater,” Vala says.
“The CEO Cycle Challenge was more than a test of endurance. It created unity, connection, and shared purpose. That’s at the heart of our ‘everybody’ philosophy, recognising that wellness looks different for each person and that true health includes emotional resilience and community involvement. We saw our teams live that out during the event.”
Was there a moment during the challenge that left a lasting impression?
“One moment that stood out was seeing leaders from different industries – often competitors – riding side by side for a shared cause. There was a collective energy and determination in the room. People were pushing past fatigue, cheering each other on, because they knew this wasn’t just about cycling. It was about giving hope and building futures.”
“It reminded us all that we’re stronger when we come together.”
A legacy of impact
By participating in The 2025 CEO Cycle Challenge and securing a top-three fundraising position, Medihelp has helped expand the reach of the South African Hall of Fame’s Legacy Project, which currently supports 33 children with comprehensive bursaries.
Their involvement exemplifies what it means to cycle with purpose and lead with heart.
Learn more about Medihelp’s commitment to wellness and community
If supporting wellness, community, and long-term impact aligns with your values, Medihelp is a partner worth getting to know.
To learn more about how Medihelp’s approach brings purpose to every part of health visit: https://www.medihelp.co.za/?Campaign=SAHOF
Be part of the movement
Join purpose-driven organisations like Medihelp in shaping the future of South Africa through The CEO Cycle Challenge. Whether you enter a team, sponsor, or support – your involvement helps to change lives.Visit www.ceochallenge.co.za to register your interest or learn more.
