Author(s):
Chayer Amelie <amelie@icbl.org> .
Monday 15 June 2009
In blistering heat, more than 1,500 people completed a 38-mile bike ride from Manchester to Liverpool, U.K., in aid of MAG on 30 May 2009.
Generations from all over took part in the ride, with pensioners riding alongside children. Many people registered on the day itself, inspired by the glorious sunshine.
As the sun rose higher, hundreds more completed the challenge. They were greeted by a field full of bodies and abandoned bicycles, as well as several ice cream vans and a jazz band.
Groups waiting for stragglers basked happily until everyone had finished, or tried out one of MAG’s metal detectors in the dummy minefield.
Wearing heavy protective equipment in the heat gave a realistic taste of the difficulties MAG’s demining teams face working all day in, for example, the heat of Africa, with the threat of real mines all around them.
MAG’s Events Officer Lesley Achim said: “The event was a huge success and we were thrilled with the numbers of riders, which far exceeded our expectations. I want to give a huge thanks to everyone who took part and raised money for MAG. We’re hoping this will become an annual event so watch out for it next year!”
MAG helps people affected by conflict by providing local know-how, physical clearance of remnants of conflict, education, training and employment of local partners to rebuild their communities.
More information: www.maginternational.org
