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Ready for a 12-day rickshaw adventure in Sri Lanka? One that not only raises money for local projects but opens your eyes to an incredible part of the world? Then sign yourself up to this year’s Lanka Challenge!
2013 will be the fifth year for the Lanka Challenge, which takes place 6-18 September in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. Here you can explore the scenic, and more remote and challenging roads, via your auto-rickshaw (three wheeler). Organisers Large Minority are a responsible tourism outfit who host charity and eco-friendly events helping promote the destination and give back to the community.
The 12-day rickshaw challenge will give teams of two or three an up-close and personal experience of some of the most fascinating historical sites and natural delights of the spice island, while raising money for local charities and environmental organizations. And a bit of fancy-dress and tuk-tuk customisation from Challenge participants is always welcome!
Julian Carnall, Partner and Organiser of Large Minority, who along with Juan Paredes created the event says: “After the success of the last four Lanka Challenge events it is only natural to carry on our legacy and continue our meaningful adventure with the fifth edition. We hope to once again captivate the world through our responsible tourism initiatives, which in this occasion will also include the Tamil speaking areas”.
Paredes adds: “We want to bring positive change and make a difference, but most importantly we want to show the world that Sri Lanka is a safe and peaceful place to visit. It is an island of endless diversity, it is beautiful, sweet and gentle, exotic and interesting, simply fascinating – we both adore it.”
The organizers anticipate a total of 20 teams comprising 55 international participants for the 2013 edition.
The Lanka Challenge team will continue to support its local partners the Red Cross Society of Sri Lanka. A total of 10 per
cent of each team’s entry fee will be given directly to the Red Cross Society or their partners. Paredes adds: “Last year we collected over USD8,000 which we used for different charitable projects including donating invaluable medical equipment to the Jaffna region and planting more than 200 indigenous trees to offset our carbon emissions. In 2013 we intend to raise a very similar amount and touch many more lives through our sustainable initiatives”.
In addition to this, the organisation encourages each team to raise at least USD500 as well. Carnall adds: “The additional money raised by the teams can be used for their preferred charities in or out of Sri Lanka, or can be added to our total. We would also welcome support from any individual who is unable to join but still wants to support the event and raise funds”.
If you would like to find out how to get involved in a challenge of a lifetime, including full registration details, visit www.lankachallenge.com or contact the team via info@largeminority.com. Teams are made up of two or three people and all you need is an international drivers license. Only 20-25 teams are entered each year and places are filling up fast…the deadline for applications closes on 6 August 2013.