Cambodian cyclist Tiv Dararith has officially concluded his “Cycling for Cambodia’s Children” campaign, a two-year endeavor that saw him travel nearly 60,000 kilometres across more than 40 nations. The initiative successfully raised over $260,000, which will be donated to the Kantha Bopha Foundation and the Angkor Hospital for Children to support free medical care.
During a press conference held on July 27 at the Ministry of Information, Dararith reflected on the journey, which he described as a historic milestone for his country. Beyond the financial contributions, he emphasized his goal of demonstrating that Cambodians can achieve global feats and encouraging the younger generation to pursue ambitious goals beyond national borders.
The expedition was marked by significant physical challenges, including navigating the Himalayas at 6,000 metres, enduring extreme cold in Central Asia, and surviving a bout of malaria in Central Africa. However, Dararith noted that the most difficult aspects were the logistical hurdles of international travel with a Cambodian passport and the pressure of securing sufficient funding to ensure the mission's completion.
Dararith expressed gratitude for the support received from Information Minister Neth Pheaktra and highlighted the transparency of the fundraising efforts. Looking ahead, he plans to document his experiences through a book and a film titled Two Years on a Bike. He also intends to organize an exhibition of his equipment and is seeking support for a future six-month cycling tour across Cambodia to promote the nation's tourism.
Source: Phnom Penh Post
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