The Lesotho National Olympic Committee (LNOC) President Letsatsi Ntsibolane on Thursday, March 5, welcomed American philanthropist David Gorman to Lesotho during his visit as a guest of the Federation of Cycling Lesotho.
Gorman has become widely known in the Mountain Kingdom for his longstanding commitment to promoting access to bicycles in our country. Over the past decade, the American has facilitated the donation of more than 7,000 bicycles to communities across Lesotho, primarily targeting children and vulnerable groups.
His connection with Lesotho dates back to 1989 when he first arrived in the country as a volunteer with the Peace Corps. During that time, he was stationed in Seforong, Quthing, Lesotho, where he spent three years living and working in local communities.
Two decades after completing his service, Gorman returned to support the country in a different way. In 2012, he established ‘Bikes for Lesotho’, an initiative dedicated to collecting secondhand bicycles in the United States and distributing them to children across Lesotho, particularly orphans. The project has since grown significantly, with Gorman having shipped a total of 15 containers filled with donated second hand bicycles to the country.
As a passionate cyclist himself, Gorman recalls that while living in Lesotho he rarely saw children riding bicycles. That observation planted the seed for what would later become a life long mission.
Upon returning to the United States, he began mobilizing communities to donate used bicycles which could be refurbished and sent to Lesotho. For Gorman, bicycles represent far more than simple transportation.
“The joy of riding a bike should be available to everyone, especially children,” he said. “From that joy comes confidence, health, and even mechanical skills. But it all begins with that first feeling of freedom on two wheels.”
Through his efforts and partnerships with organisations such as Working Bikes, thousands of bicycles have been distributed not only in Lesotho but in several other countries around the world.
While the main focus of the current bicycle deliveries remains talent identification and empowering schools, Gorman ultimately hopes the initiative can evolve beyond charity. His long term vision is to contribute to sustainable cycling development in Lesotho by helping create an ecosystem that includes local bike shops, cycling clubs, and competitive races capable of sustaining themselves.
During his current visit, Gorman is also participated in the annual Moshoeshoe’s Walk, which began on Wednesday, March 4. Through his continued dedication, Gorman’s work is helping introduce thousands of Basotho children to cycling while laying the groundwork for the sport’s future growth in the country.
