Pedalling for a purpose
Altruistic cyclists complete 1,400-km journey around
Sri Lanka to raise funds for 40,000 wheelchairs :
A bunch of altruistic cyclists on an 'Around The Pearl' (ATP) charity
bicycle ride ended their gruelling 1400-kilometre journey on a high note
last week and were received by family, friends and supporters at the
Park Street Mews. The cyclists were on a quest to raise funds for 40,000
wheelchairs for children afflicted with Cerebral Palsy.
The 'Around The Pearl' team cycled around the entire island,
launching their journey from Colombo and making the first pit stop at
Weligama on day one. Thereafter they rode to Kataragama, Arugam Bay,
Passikudah, Nilaveli, Kovil Junction, Jaffna, Maruchchukkaddi and
Negombo over a nine-day period, finally reaching Colombo on the tenth
day. The sun-burnt crew completed the final leg from Jetwing Blue,
Negombo cheered on by family and friends.
A recent addition to the event now in its third year, was the
formidable Chalai Challenge. The Chalai Challenge, saw 20 international
riders and 50 local riders gather in Jaffna to take on a 94 km off-road
race through an uncharted coastal route that tested their endurance.
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the term for a group of non-progressive
disorders of movement and posture caused by abnormalities or damage to
the motor control centres of the brain.
CP is a significant health concern in Sri Lanka and is highly
stigmatised. Many people in Sri Lanka do not have access to adequate
funds to care for children with CP and as a result cannot afford to buy
wheelchairs for them.
A simple wheelchair can provide a CP sufferer with greater mobility
and freedom, enabling them to enjoy a more fulfilling life.
For more updates on the 'Around The Pearl' journey and to pledge your
support and donate, please log in to www.aroundthepearl.lk&https://www.facebook.com/AroundThePearl
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