C Y C L E S R I L A N K A

WHAT MADE THE ICT CYCLE SRI LANKA CHALLENGE DIFFERENT?
ICT is one of the few international organisations running fundraising challenge events in the countries where we actually work. The participants therefore had the unique opportunity to visit one of our projects and see for themselves how the money they raised made a difference. The participants also cycled up into the north of the county which has been virtually untouched by tourism. After the stunning 5-day, cost to coast cycle and well-deserved celebrations, a visit was made to the ICT project in Colombo which has played an important role in the aftermath of the Asian tsunami by providing shelter, support and care for affected children and their families.

WHY SRI LANKA?
ICT has been working in Sri Lanka for over 20 years and we have a long and close relationship with our partners and the communities in which they work. We have run this trip before so we know that the route and have already stayed in many of the same places. ICT is also keen to show support to the country and economy following the tsunami, which damaged much of the tourist infrastructure.

HAD ICT DONE THIS SORT OF THING BEFORE?
Yes, Cycle Sri Lanka 05 was ICT’s third cycle challenge event. The first was in Sri Lanka in 2003 and the second in India in March 2005. The trips we have run so far have been highly enjoyable and successful and ICT is now well versed in providing participants with all the support needed for fundraising and training.

HOW DID PARTICIPANTS RAISE ALL THAT MONEY?
Once cyclists had registered to take part in the event, they received a detailed fundraising pack full of ideas to help them raise the sponsorship money. This included information on: on-line fundraising, writing to local charitable trusts, getting money from local businesses, door-to-door collections and holding events. The ICT team was on hand to guide participants through the fundraising and give all the support that they needed. The nature of the challenge and the good cause that participants were supporting generally encouraged a great response from their local area. Many participants found they easily raised above and beyond the minimum sponsorship required.

WHERE DID THE MONEY RAISED GO?
Approximately £1200 of the total money raised went towards flight and ground costs of the trip (internal transport, hotels, meals etc). The rest of the money raised went to support ICT’s overall work assisting displaced children and young people in Sri Lanka, India and Kenya.

WHAT SORT OF PEOPLE TOOK PART?
Individuals from all backgrounds, ages and walks of life have taken part in ICT's various challenges. Previous participants have ranged from company directors to recent graduates. Cycling is something everyone can do and anyone over the age of 18 can enter the events. What people who participate have in common is the enthusiasm and the commitment to take part.

HOW FIT DO YOU HAVE TO BE?
The trip was designed to be an enjoyable challenge for the average person. However, participants had to train and get fit to get the most out of the challenge. Most slowly built up their fitness levels over the months leading up to the challenge.

HOW MUCH SUPPORT WAS RECEIVED ON THE EVENT?
The Cycle Sri Lanka was in conjunction with Action Challenge UK Ltd. Throughout the whole trip, professionals were on hand to ensure that safety was the top priority. The challenge was supported by an Action Challenge rep, an ICT rep, a physiotherapist, a mechanic, a police escort ,a local English-speaking guide and a local support team.

WHAT ABOUT INSURANCE?
All participants were required to take out insurance to cover the whole challenge. This included cover for travel, health, accident and loss. We also advised participants to make sure that the insurance companies knew the full nature of the challenge to ensure that every aspect of the event is covered.