| BABSEA Half Marathon, 10K Run and Fun Bike Ride Raises over US $50,000 for Kep Community Development
The first ever annual Kep Trio event kicked 2008 off with a bang in the sleepy province of Kep, as over 80 participants, from 10 different countries competed in this hugely successful fundraiser. During two action packed days, a fun bike ride, 10K run and a half marathon commenced in the beautiful coastal town of Kep, on the South Coast of Cambodia, and ended amongst a roar of cheers from local supporters in the village of Chamcar Bei. The phenomenal success of this event organized by avid runner, Nikki Wise, has resulted in vital funds that will go towards supporting the Hand in Hand integrated community development project being implemented by Bridges Across Borders in Chamcar Bei village. “The success of this event has exceeded any of our expectations” announced Wise during the awards ceremony to around 200 members of the local and international community.
Hundreds of children and adults lined the running and cycling courses, cheering with the ubiquitous “hello” that spurred the challengers on. Along the dirt tracks through the stunning rolling green hills and past pepper plantations, the runners were periodically greeted with cheers by the Chamcar Bei Youth Group members who were managing the water stations. The women’s food cooperative prepared a hearty welcoming into the village, with a vast range of local culinary delights, agricultural products and handcrafts for sale, creating a real party atmosphere.
|
While the main objective of the Kep Trio was to raise funds that will ensure the continuation and expansion of this project in 2008, it has also raised awareness globally about some of the hardships faced by rural communities in Cambodia. The Hand in Hand project is aimed at making significant improvements to the living standards of villagers through sustainable initiatives in health, education, livelihoods. Through the active involvement of the partner community in the organization of this event, participants got to see exactly what these initiatives are about and to receive the warm welcome of the locals.
During the awards ceremony attended by the Mayor of Kep, the youth team members were presented with the same bikes used in the bike event by the riders, which they will now use to transport themselves to high school each day. Bridges’ Country Director, David Pred addressed the closing ceremony by marking the accomplishments of the project so far and expressed his gratitude to the community, participants and organizers for making this event a phenomenal success.
As 2008 looks to be an exciting year in Chamcar Bei, we can all look forward to the next Kep Trio event in February 2009, and wonder whether it will be a full marathon this time?