Over 30 riders both International and local will kick start their journey around the Island today from Colombo. ‘Around The Pearl’ is an initiative by ‘Wheels for Wheels’ conducted in partnership with the Cerebral Palsy Lanka Foundation (CPLF), and WrooM a cycling community.
The 10 day ride includes two exciting days of camping which will showcase the beauty of Sri Lanka to the world as a sport tourist destination. The latest addition of the ride, Chalai Challenge is a 94 km off-road race through an uncharted coastal route will target 20 international riders and 50 local riders.
The cyclists will travel the perimeter of the entire island and their journey will take them from the city of Colombo to Weligama, Galle, Mirissa, Kataragama, Arugam Bay, Passikudah, Nilaveli, Kovil Junction, Jaffna, Maruchchukkaddi, Mannar, Chilaw, Negombo and back to Colombo. During the course of the journey, members of the public will be able join the cyclists and pledge donations by logging on to http://www.aroundthepearl.lk
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the term used for a group of non-progressive disorders of movement and posture caused by the abnormal development of, or damage to, motor control centers of the brain. CP is a common physical disability that affects many children and is caused by events before, during or after birth. In Sri Lanka, CP remains a significant health problem and many parents are unable to provide adequate care for children with CP. Due to the social stigma of having a differently-abled child, many parents in Sri Lanka, keep their children out of the public eye. Additionally the lack of funds prevents parents from providing their children with adequate care and support. During the ‘Around the Pearl’ journey, the team hopes to dissolve the stigma around cerebral palsy in Sri Lanka whilst raising much needed awareness and funds to help children living with from the disorder.
‘A night Around the Pearl’, the flag off event for the third edition of ‘Around the Pearl’ initiative was held at Park Street Mews on Monday, 4 April 2016. It was a night filled with inspiration and heart-warming performances by children from the Cerebral Palsy Lanka Foundation.
Sharing his thoughts at the event, Ajith Fernando – Managing Director CAL and one the first riders of ATP said, “It’s truly inspiring to see all these children showcase their talents tonight. I’m happy that I was able to start off Around the Pearl with my friends as an initiative to help children living with Cerebral Palsy. I would like to thank everyone including our sponsors, who helped us to bring Around the Pearl to this level. I believe that everyone would join us this year to help us raise funds for these children.”
To follow the ‘Around the Pearl’ journey and pledge your support, please log in to www.aroundthepearl.lk & https://www.facebook.com/AroundThePearl
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