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

WHAT MAKES 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. You therefore have the unique opportunity to visit one of our projects and see for yourself how the money you raise makes a difference. We will also be cycling up into the north of the county which has been virtually untouched by tourism. After our stunning 5-day, cost to coast cycle and well-deserved celebrations, we will visit 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.

IS IT SAFE TO GO TO SRI LANKA SO SOON AFTER THE TSUNAMI?
Yes, Sri Lanka desperately needs tourists to return to Sri Lanka to help boost the economy. There are few better ways to do help the country than to be there, stay in local hotels, eat local food and buy local products. By the time we go in October the full infrastructure will be back in place and all services will be back to normal. There will be no additional health or safety risks.

HAS ICT DONE THIS SORT OF THING BEFORE?
Yes, Cycle Sri Lanka 05 will be 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 you with all the support you need for fundraising and training.

HOW DO I RAISE ALL THAT MONEY?
Once you have registered to take part on the event, you will receive a detailed fundraising pack full of ideas to help you raise the sponsorship money. This includes 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 will be on hand to guide you through the fundraising and give you all the support that you need. The nature of the challenge and the good cause that you are supporting will encourage a great response from your local area. Many participants often find they easily raise above and beyond the minimum sponsorship required.

WHERE DOES THE MONEY I RAISE GO?
Approximately £1200 of the total money raised goes towards the flight and ground costs of the trip (internal transport, hotels, meals etc). The rest of the money that is raised supports ICT’s overall work assisting displaced children and young people in Sri Lanka, India and Kenya.

WHAT SORT OF PEOPLE WILL BE TAKING PART?
Individuals from all backgrounds, ages and walks of life will be taking part in the challenge. 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 event. What people will have in common is the enthusiasm and the commitment to take part.

HOW FIT DO I HAVE TO BE?
This trip is designed to be an enjoyable challenge for the average person. However, you must train and get fit to get the most out of your challenge. We suggest that you slowly build up your fitness levels over the months leading up to the challenge.

HOW MUCH SUPPORT WILL I RECEIVE ON THE EVENT?
The Cycle Sri Lanka is being run in conjunction with Action Challenge UK Ltd. Throughout the whole trip, professionals will be on hand to ensure that safety is the top priority. The challenge will also be 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 that might even give you a push up the steep hills, should you require it!

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

WHAT HAPPENS IF I CAN’T RAISE THE AMOUNT REQUIRED?
All sponsorship money must be raised before the event. We will ask you to have raised a percentage of the sponsorship money by certain dates. If you cannot do it, it is possible that you may forfeit your right to take part. However, if you are having difficulties please let us know. Remember, you are not on your own, with our fresh ideas and support you will succeed. We will also put you in contact with other people taking part in the event so you can support each other and exchange fundraising tips.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TAKE PART IN CYCLE SRI LANKA?
First of all you need to fill out a registration form enclosing a non-refundable £250 registration fee. Then you need to raise a minimum of £2500 in sponsorship money before you depart on the trip. Once you have registered with us we will send you all the additional information that you need.