Gulf For Good announces 2009 challenges line-up

Kicking off with a cycling expedition from Cambodia to Vietnam in March, to trekking the Himalayas and the Inca Trail, this year's challenges are the most varied yet in the organization's eight year history.

Founder and G4G Chairman Brian Wilkie says the challenges for 2009 offer variety which means there is something to suit all levels of fitness and determination.

"A lot of effort has gone into identifying a series of challenges for this year and beyond, which it is hoped will allow everyone to find something which inspires them to get up, get fit and have fun. At the same time participants will be doing something really worthwhile to give kids a chance around the world. Whether trekking through the foothills or the heights of the Himalayas, following the Inca Trail, cycling through Vietnam, Cambodia or the UAE or visiting the charities we plan to help, this is sure to be an unforgettable experience for anyone who chooses to get involved"

he said.

G4G is a Dubai-based charity, founded in 2001 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum. To date, their 23 adventure challenges in 16 countries have involved more than 500 participants from across the Gulf and have raised around US$1.5 million.

These funds have been donated to tangible and carefully thought out projects in the adventure challenge host countries in the Middle East, South America, Asia and Africa. G4G has built hospitals, orphanages and schools, bought medical and computer equipment, and provided school transport where they are urgently needed.

G4G's Challenge Director, Ravi Chandran, says challenge participants are evenly split between males and females. "They have ranged from 16-72 years old, and from athletes to couch potatoes," he said! "We can provide the support and training progammes to get participants up to the level of fitness needed to take part in a particular challenge, but really this is about individuals challenging themselves, not only from a fitness perspective, but also in the way they need to raise money to take part, and which is used to give kids a chance around the world."

"The highlight of the challenge for the majority of participants is when they visit the charity project being supported," he adds. "We hear constantly that the challenges we organise make a huge difference to peoples' lives. Obviously, the charities that receive the funds benefit enormously, but doing the challenge itself often turns out to be a life-changing experience for many challengers."

This year's challenges are as follows:

March - The Great Asian Cycling Challenge, Vietnam to Cambodia, March 26 to April 4: cycling 450 km from Saigon over 7 days through paddy fields and river deltas, on good rural back roads, to reach the ancient temples and fortresses of Angkor Wat.

May - The Himalayan Panorama Adventure, India and Nepal, May 15 to 23: 5 days of trekking 70km through the foothills of the Himalayas, through terraced fields, orchards and forests, visiting ancient monasteries and meeting the local people, all with a stunning Himalayan backdrop

July - The 'Alternative' Inca Trail, Peru, July 9 to 18: avoid the crowds on this exceptional 5-day trail through the mountains above the Lares valley - quiet villages, hot springs, virtually deserted Inca ruins, as well as the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu.

October - hiking the Annapurna Circuit, Nepal, October 15 to 29: The big one this year! 9 days of trekking, reaching an altitude of 5,415m over the stunning Thorung La Pass - tough, but an experience you will never forget.

November/December - cycling the Seven Emirates, UAE, November 26 to December 2 - a 7-day tour of all 7 Emirates. Find routes you never knew existed, meet other Gulf residents and help raise funds for children in the UAE and Palestine.

In line with previous events, participants are required to pay a registration fee of AED1,850 and then raise minimum sponsorship of between AED 12,000 and 24,000, depending on the challenge.

Gulf for Good helps with fund-raising ideas; training and fitness suggestions; as well as giving clothing and equipment advice. On the challenge, it provides flights and transfers, accommodation, food, guides and medical backup.

Accompanied on all challenges by a local team of qualified guides, people wishing to participate are advised to register now for one of these experiences of a lifetime, as places are limited.

An incentive to sign up early is that the first 4 people to register will receive a free travel guide courtesy of Magrudy's Bookshops.