An international team of 35 members will cycle 350 kilometers on Oct. 24 around the Sea of Marmara in Turkey to raise £ 200,000 toward health and educational projects for Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.
“Cycling4Gaza” is a humanitarian initiative which began in the wake of the 2009 war on Gaza by a group of young people based in London to mobilize people yearly from all parts of the world for a cycling challenge, with the goal of reaching the Gaza Strip.
Over the past three years, participating members have cycled across the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Jordan to create awareness about the ongoing blockade on the Gaza Strip, and raise critical funds for NGOs that work to support refugees living under occupation to help build a self-reliant and healthy Palestinian community.
Funds generated by the sporting challenge have benefited select charities like Welfare Association and MAP (Medical Aid for Palestinians) which provide primary trauma care, and maternal and child health care through training programs for the medical team and other members of the community.
Last year, the team cycled across Aqaba to the Dead Sea, Jordan, successfully raising over £ 220,000 that supported the National Society for Rehabilitation based in Khan Younis and Rafah, Al Wefaq Relief and Development Society, Society for the Care of the Handicapped in Gaza, and Nour Marifa.
The donations have also supported health organizations in the treatment of injured, disabled and special needs children; provision of sight and hearing aids; psychiatric and psychosocial support; and special education and training programs.
“This is the fourth time ‘Cycling4Gaza’ is taking place; it will be my second time however,” said Rawan Yaqub who will be participating from Saudi Arabia.
“Last year was an eye opener since we had a rider from Palestine who spoke to us about his personal experience in Gaza. We got to hear stories first hand. The team was great and their spirit was amazing. We learned to work together in harmony, and of course being part of the team raised our awareness on Gaza and their everyday suffering”, she added.
For more details on Cycling4Gaza’s 2012 challenge, visit: www.cycling4gaza.com
‘Cycling4Gaza’ pedals into its fourth year
