International development charity Transaid is launching a nationwide search to find 30 individuals from across the UK transport and logistics industry to take part in the 'Transaid Cycle Zambia Challenge 2009'.
The event will build on the success of Cycle Malawi 2006 and Cycle Kenya 2007 and is hoping to raise more than £100,000 to support Transaid's vital work to help people in Africa gain better access to healthcare, education and the opportunity to earn a living, through safer, cheaper and more efficient transport.
The 10 day challenge (five days cycling) will run from 7-16 May 2009 and will cover over 420km across Zambia, starting in the capital Lusaka and ending in Livingstone - home of the spectacular Victoria Falls. Participants will need to train in the UK prior to establish a good level of fitness for the trip, which will include on and off-road cycling and is officially graded as 'challenging'.
Participants are asked to pay a registration fee of £299 and make a commitment to raising a minimum sponsorship of £3,000. This covers air and most ground costs and will help fund future Transaid projects in Zambia and across the developing world.
Chris Saunders, Chief Executive of Transaid, says: "Zambia is a country which Transaid has been actively working in for the last five years. It's an absolutely stunning country and this trip will give people the opportunity to see our work and the great need for what we do first hand, while having the experience of a lifetime.
"Money raised from last year's event represents a substantial amount of Transaid's income. With funds raised through Cycle Zambia we're hoping to expand our reach to conduct more driver safety awareness and transport management training. In this region, people are faced with the reality of inefficient and inaccessible transport every single day and know only too well the cost to human lives. The work Transaid does to share technical skills and knowledge can help to tackle and change this."
Since 2003, Transaid has been assisting within the only commercial driver training facility in Zambia by arranging secondments of experienced driver trainers from member companies. Most recently the charity has also carried out driver training programmes for Concern Worldwide and St John's Ambulance, as well as working with Zambia's Ministry of Health to enhance their transport fleet and capacity to deliver health services in local communities.
To sign up for Transaid Cycle Zambia, please visit www.transaid.org or request an information pack by calling 020 7387 8136 or emailing marketing@transaid.org Places are limited.