Dubai Duty Free Staff Return From A Successful Cycling Challenge For Charity

Dubai Duty Free, as part of its support for the Dubai-based charity organisation, Gulf for Good (G4G), successfully concluded the “Great Asian Cycling Challenge” welcoming back its three ambassadors: Robbie Huang, Pravin Chaudry and Ariel Sarical and congratulating them for achieving the daunting feat.

The three intrepid cyclists, along with 22 fellow cyclists, completed the challenge that took them from Vietnam to Cambodia covering a route of over 400km, navigating difficult terrain and encompassing some of the best scenery of both countries.

The challenge group has collected more than AED250,000 (US$68,000) in sponsorship in total, including a Dubai Duty Free contribution from its management and staff.

All sponsorship funds will be donated to Christina Noble Children’s Foundation (CNCF) in Vietnam to help build a kindergarten for 90 poverty stricken children in the rural Hiep Village in the Dong Thap province of Vietnam.

The three staff cycled through the stunning Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) to Angkor Wat, the mysterious ancient capital of Indo-China. Six days of cycling over 400 km tested their physical strength as they went through paddy fields, farmland and villages, which allowed them to see the fabulous corner of Asia from a unique standpoint.

As part of the challenge, they visited the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation charity project in Vietnam which allowed them to witness firsthand the wonderful work done for the disadvantaged children. They were amazed by the spirit and endurance of the children, despite extreme poverty and overcrowding. The group participated in some games and activities to the delight of the children while a short dance number dressed in their traditional costume was presented to all the participants.

Dubai Duty Free’s Executive Vice Chairman, Colm McLoughlin said, ”On behalf of everyone at Dubai Duty Free, we are delighted to be a part of such a wonderful event supporting Gulf for Good and The Christina Noble Children’s Foundation, which has a special place in our heart. Well done to our three staff, they have had a great experience and I hope that they will continue to actively participate in good initiatives.”

Cyclist Pravin Chaudhary said,” This has been an incredible experience, one that I would never have imagined without the support of Dubai Duty Free and their wonderful involvement with Gulf for Good. I will never forget the people I have met and the culture that I have experienced. It was certainly unforgettable and I would do it all over again in a hearbeat.”

Ariel Sarical said, “I feel so blessed to be part of this challenge. This has been an incredible experience. I would like to thank God that I finished the challenge, to my family who are greatly supportive and serve as my inspiration to finish the challenge. And most of all, to Dubai Duty Free who had given me the chance to participate in this awesome event.”

Robbie Huang said, “Thanks for the support from our management team of our Dubai Duty Free to let us represent the company to show our great care and mercy for the children. And thank God that we are so much blessed to have the chance to join the Great Asian Cycling Challenge to support the homeless and underprivileged children.”

Through its Corporate Responsibility Department, Dubai Duty Free supports a great number of worthy causes and is particularly keen to work with causes that benefit the lives of children.

Emirate:  Dubai

Date: Mar 11, 2013

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