Cyclists across the UK can register for the Wheels for Change fundraising challenge.
Seven 100km cycling events are taking place simultaneously on Saturday 24 May 2014, from multiple Barclays Premier League sites, promising to provide sports fans with a fantastic challenge, as well as the opportunity to raise funds for UNICEF, the world’s leading children’s organisation.
Wheels for Change, in aid of UNICEF and supported by Barclays, is aiming to raise more than £500,000. The money will help young people in some of the world’s poorest countries build a brighter future for themselves and their communities. UNICEF will use the funds raised to provide start-up funding and grants to help disadvantaged young people get their small businesses started.
UNICEF UK and Wheels for Change are encouraging 10,000 cyclists to saddle up. The 100km routes will start and finish at Barclays Premier League affiliated venues, including:
• Cardiff City stadium;
• Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park;
• Fulham’s training ground at Motspur Park, South West London;
• Liverpool FC’s Family Park, Anfield Road
• Manchester United’s Old Trafford;
• Newcastle United’s training ground at Darsley Park; and
• Birmingham Road, outside West Bromwich Albion’s The Hawthorns.
Funds raised through Wheels for Change will enhance the work of the Barclays and UNICEF Building Young Futures partnership. The global partnership, which began in 2008, provides disadvantaged young people with the employability, enterprise and financial skills they need to find work, or set up their own small business.
Sir Chris Hoy said: "As a UNICEF UK Ambassador, I’m proud to support Wheels for Change.
“Cycling transformed my life and now through this fundraising event we have the chance to help transform the lives of disadvantaged young people across the world, to turn their business dreams into a reality.”
Catherine Cottrell, Deputy Executive Director of Fundraising, at UNICEF UK said: “Wheels for Change is an excellent fundraising challenge which will have a hugely positive impact on some of the world’s most disadvantaged young people. It is fantastic that this is kicking off at Barclays Premier League grounds, so register now to make a difference and boost your fitness levels at the same time.”
Shane Hawkins, Founder of Wheels for Change and a Managing Director at Barclays said: “Wheels for Change will help disadvantaged young people to build stronger futures for themselves and their communities. What better reason to get on your bike – I encourage you to sign up to the Wheels for Change challenge and help make a difference.”
To register and find out more including how your money could help, visit the Wheels for Change website: www.wheelsforchange.co.uk.
