Signing up for the City to Surf seemed like a good idea. It’s something every Sydneysider should do at some point in their life…apparently. It’s a beautiful 14kms run from Sydney’s city centre through the notorious Kings Cross and along the waterfront to Sydney’s infamous Bondi Beach. It’s been running for 40 years and is the world’s largest fun run. So I duly signed up, partner in toe and promptly forgot about it. After all August was a long way away! I’ve always enjoyed running and liked the challenge of competition and the chance to raise a few funds for my favourite charities so the match seemed good. What of course we conveniently forgot was that August in Australia is cold and windy. It’s not warm and summery like in the UK. But surely being surrounded by 80,000 runners would warm us up? 

So the training runs started in the beautiful Australian bush land and all seemed to be going along nicely despite the onslaught of winter. That is until, bang – I discovered I was pregnant. Now this wasn’t so much a shock but a nice surprise and certainly news that we didn’t expect so soon. Despite the tiredness, morning sickness and pure rabbit in the headlights reaction to it all I started getting messages from my mum and both families politely wondering if running in the City to Surf was quite the thing to do now…I mean surely no-one could run 14kms with a baby on board? The closer August 8th loomed the more the calls and text messages became less polite and more insistent that I would be stupid to run it – at least surely I would be walking it? I think I mentioned at the beginning that I loved the challenge of competition – some call it stubbornness…Either way I was determined to run it the best I possibly could. The doctor rolled her eyes at me and just said – don’t get that belly of yours hot! It’s August – middle of winter – hot does not enter the equation.

Excited, a little nervous and with much trepidation we trained it down to the city centre on a beautifully sunny day (still freezing!) and joined the throng of the whole of Sydney it seemed in the lead up to the start of the race. Some were jumping around clad in next to nothing trying to keep warm, others clung to their layers only to throw them off last minute for the Smith Family charity to collect for homeless and disadvantaged families and then there were the Star Troopers, men in full diving gear, Phantom, Superman and other such super heroes, mums with pushchairs, dads with trolleys of beer. All in all quite a spectacle and a fun way to start a race that this year had a little more meaning as I was running for two – made a change from eating for two… The run itself flew by and was such fun. All along the course there are water and Gatorade stops, residents outside their houses cheering you on and random bands blurting out rock or jazz music as encouragement – they even had a pseudo Guns and roses band on the roof of one of the pubs. With the exception of a loo break atheartbreak hill – aptly named as it never ends – we managed to jog the whole 14kms and crossed the finish line in just under two hours about half way through the 80,000 – not a bad first attempt for the three of us – next year I’ll be one of those mums pushing the pram! City to Surf – a must for all Sydneysiders and at the end of the day a huge amount of fun.

Thank you so much Fi for your stubbornness and enthusiasm to support HOPE every step of the way, it’s very much appreciated. Congratulations and very best wishes to you and Ian. We look forward to sponsoring you again next year!!

If you are inspired then please contact us should you wish to do a fun fundraiser. Or sponsor Fi now at Just Giving ! Go on… she’s only 15% away from reaching her target…

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Last Sunday heralded the start of the new youth football tournament in Siem Reap and Harnessing Opportunities through Play and Education are wholeheartedly supporting it. Bringing together a whole selection of youth from various organisations will see an active Sunday league every week until the 21st of March concluding the winning team. Goal posts made by the Iron Workshop have been funded by us and helps two causes in one go!

This all came about when Gary first came to Siem Reap for a month in January 2009 to volunteer as a coach at the Sangkheum centre and whilst here he met several people from other children centres who expressed an interest in him coming back for a longer period to set up an organised league for them. So he did! In his own words he explains:-

“I was looking for something to do for these 6 months and perhaps yearly from now onwards and this seemed like a good idea. The idea is that with a league system the children learn to be part of a team and can get to play regardless of gender or ability, this is definitely not a win at all cost type league or any kind of talent spotting opportunity, just a chance for children to get to play the game in a competitive, safe, structured and fun environment. We have 3 age groups – under 11′s, 6 teams, under 14′s, 10 teams and under 17′s, 6 teams. We are keen for this to evolve into something that can be locally run by Khmer staff from the Centres and I am keen to train up assistant coaches, referees and administrators to make this happen. We are also using local businesses for our equipment; goals are being made at a local workshop, nets from re-cycled plastic, field from a local land owner etc. I am level 2 F.A. Coach and have coached in Schools in the U.K. and United States as well as working for local Government in the U.K. as a Rural Community Sports Coach setting up programmes similar to this one in rural East Anglia. The rest of the year I work for Camp Sangamon in Vermont U.S.A. as an Assistant Director and Soccer Coach.”

Sangkheum football team

The Centres who are taking part are -Sangkhuem Center for Children, Self Help Community Center (SHCC), Grace House, Global Child, New Hope, Angali, Green Gecko and ACE School.

Chamroeun from Sangkheum Center will blog the results over the next few weeks and results and fixtures can be found here…. Next Chamroeun starts his blog with an introduction to football how the Sangkheum team got involved…

….Football is the most popularity sport all around the world. As well as in Sangkheum Center for Children football is the most popular and funs game for the Children. The Sangkheum Center has set up the football program since the beginning of the Center started 2001. Through this program we have been given a good opportunity to the disadvantages children living around Pouk District to have a chance to play and also to learn about the physical education.
In the 2006 The Sangkheum Football program has given opportunity to 16 young adults traveled to Norway for the Norway Cup. They all very exited and enjoyed themselves with the new world and atmosphere. Since then, the Sangkheum FC has also develop their own capacity to set up a girl team as well as a boy team. The Sangkheum FC both girl and boy team have been participated in the Football Youth tournaments in Siem Reap 2007-2008 and the also participated with the tournament in Phnom Penh which organized by the Star Fish foundation. In 2008-2009 through this result the Sangkheum Center Directional team have sent 2 Educators and 4 young adults ( 3 boys 1 girl)  to trained as a coach with SALT Academy in Battambong and one girl from the team have been trained by the FIFA expert,  then she was recommended to be part of a girl National team for Football federation Cambodia. She has been sent to play as a friendship in Loa.

Currently, we have 85 children participating in the Sangkheum Football program and get train by one of our young adult who get trained  FIFA D license from SALT Academy  in Battambong. There are 2 girls teams age Under 14 and Under 16 and there are 3 boy teams Age under 12, Under 14, Under 16. The training schedule is from Monday-Friday 5.00-6.00pm.  In every 3 months we set up a game to play with some of the organizations in Siem Reap.

On the 17th of January Sangkheum Center for Children took part on a football Legue. Boys and girls from different organizations around Siem Reap to play football against each other for the next ten weeks every Sunday. In this first week, Sangkheum Center participated with several teams with 45 children under 14 years. The children enjoyed the afternoon playing football, cheering and supporting each other from the sidelines. We won three of four games and the atmosphere was very joyful. We are looking forward to the next matches on the 31st of January 2010.

MORE TO COME NEXT WEEK…

Noting the darkness I grumble at the bleeping that has awakened me. Slowly I remembered why I had set the alarm clock soooo early I was getting up to see Angkor Wat at dawn, a task done by many visitors to Siem Reap every day however, this morning was different! The first weekend of December hails the popular marathon and bike ride which brings many tourists to experience the temples in a different way. And this year I, along with Sangkheum Center’s Young Adults and Educators were participating.

The day before I had checked my bike, washed it down and entered all participants ready and raring to go on behalf of all HOPE supporters. We had twenty in total from Sangkheum Center, plus Thomas (London to Brighton HOPE fundraiser in July), Dayvy (my cycling partner and motivator throughout the course), Samnieng (last year participant who came 14th in the overall men’s race – London 2012 here we come!!)  Natasha (fellow expat) and Mr. Kunn (Jasmine Lodge guesthouse owner and Project Manager for My Grandfather’s House).

Having proudly sewed the HOPE logo on my basket the night before (which I may add did receive many a comment ‘nice basket!!’), I pinned the number 99 to my Sangkheum T-shirt which as I mentioned before signifies that “I give hope to young generation” aptly missed ‘A’. Slightly ironic as the initial hope I gave to Sangkheum was indeed teaching them the English language!! All set Dayvy picked us up by car, dumping the bikes in a tuk tuk! (Motorised transport ) summonsing up the energy to cycle 30km I was lacking the motivation to do a further 8km just to get to the starting point. On the way we passed hundreds on bikes making their way to the temples, we arrived relatively fresh and ready to go!! However, after the race refueled by a chocolate brownie from Blue Pumpkin I quite happily raced back to town afterwards.

On arrival to the temples we met the Sangkheum team who were pinning their lucky numbers to their new race t-shirts. They were all very excited and full of energy. The boys were all teasing who was the best and who would win from their team. Bota (see his training blog here) was determined he would be first having trained closely alongside Samnieng and Thomas for the last few months. His training also saw him running from town to Sangkheum Center which is 12kms from town.

As we lined up at the starting point the sun was beginning to rise over the wonderous Angkor Wat and the reality and emotions hit that we were actually here. We raised over 1,000GBP and had given a goal for the young adults to work towards. It had been months since they all chorused they wanted to do a sponsored cycle and today their wish had come true. They had trained every Sunday as group cycling around the temples, Tonle Sap Lake and back to the center for several months and were now all lined up at the starting point for the big annual bike ride….

On the off everyone pushed off as hard as they could, but Dayvy and I took it slow taking everything in. From Angkor Wat to the gates leading to Angkor Thom up to Bayon, past the Elephant Terrace and across the big circuit to Sras Song. Passing Sras Song I knew the hard part was over and stopped for some refreshments. Being one of the last ones (I admit it) there were no bananas left!! At this stage I was in need of energy, but no matter we still carried on.

We passed green padding fields as the mist rose clearing to be a beautiful day. The weather and temperature had been perfect and we were relieved when the sun stayed cool. We passed the finish line 2 hours later to the cheers of the others. They had been patiently waiting for us for an hour!! They had raced very hard and some had done very good times within the hour. Motivated by their efforts they are already talking about where they will come in next year’s race and if they continue training every Sunday from now they will definitely be in the top twenty. So, I say good luck to them and well done for working so hard for their achievements. They truly were cycling for their own futures and like with everything they do they accomplished it as a team, with determination and with a great big smile.

Not long to go till Thomas, Bota and I with 18 other educators and young adults from Sangkheum Center for Children will be on our bikes cycling through the temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. We have been heavily fundraising on behalf of the kids to raise money for their own future and so far we have raised $1,393.00 online!! Which is just fantastic!!

HOPE have entered 19 Sangkheum staff and young adults to participant in the cycle ride. Costing just below $500 the money goes towards some more projects in Siem Reap supported by Village Focus.

When Village Focus began their community hygiene and clean water program, the community worked hand in hand to create a program to build and use 70 latrines and 5 wells. Access to safe water results in families spending less time and money caring for family members who fall sick. It is now expected that the children from Kansaeng Leu Village studying at secondary school in the coming years will rise significantly.

Even though Village Focus has provided 1,164 latrines, 46 wells, and 2 ponds in Siem Reap province, it is clear that many more families are in a dire need of safe drinking water and sanitation facilities.

Village Focus operates Slum Schools, Community Leadership Programs, and Health and Clean Water Projects that touch lives and are making a difference.  Please support them and us further in supporting many projects in and around Siem Reap by sponsoring the young adults. CLICK HERE FOR HOPE’S JUST GIVING PAGE!

Here are our last minute prep notes…

1. The road is in good shape, but do be on the lookout for potholes and buckling road (smooth but abrupt changes in the asphalt). The course should be fine for those on road bikes, but there is a stretch of about 5 meters that is rocky… and rough (a volunteer will be standing in front of this to tell you to slow down and be careful; road bikers may even opt to walk it). Be careful when you ride and with everything you do while in Cambodia, since our medical facilities are still very basic.
2. There will be 3 water and snack (bananas and bread) stations along the route; 1 at approximately each 10K interval. The 30K route is 1 lap, 55K is 2 laps, and 80K is 3 laps (laps are 25K each, plus a 5K stretch to reach the start of the 1st lap).

Dear all………….!

Hello, how are you? For me it’s fine. I am Bota, and I am 18 years old and I have fourth brothers. They’re live in Sangkheun Center for children. I have been live SCC for six years ago. So, now I leave the Sangkheum Center already, but I still in the Sangkheum project we called “Young Adults Integration”.

Now, I want to tell you about bicycling practice. Every Sunday in the morning I have been practice bicycling with my friends, Teacher, Samnang, Thomas, and Jo. I am filling great. You know why? Because this the first time that I have a bicycle racing and learn how to race, too. The first I am filling a bit tired, but it fun for me. Although, I am getting tired but it’s good exercise. I love to exercise. I usually work out everyday. I get up early in the morning and run for about 00:30min. Then I often go to play football. Sometimes I go for a walk in the evening, about once a week.

Bota’s story about bicycle.

When I was small I tried to ride a bicycle, but my father didn’t want me to ride a bicycle, so when my father went away I tried how to ride again and it was exciting and fun. Unfortunately I felldown on the ground and blood came out a lot from my foot, so my older brother helped me to stop the blood. You know? I had tried with my older brother, but he didn’t falldown like me, becaues he was bigger than me. I really wanted to try to ride a bicycle because in that time the bicycle was modren and it to expensive and I had to try and learn. When I learnt how to ride a bicycle I was 6 years old. But, I still have the scar!!

That my story ….

Thank you,

Bota

Amy says….

I went to Cambodia in 2007, just for one week as part of a four month trip with a friend, but it had more of an impact on me than any of the other countries I went to.  I knew I wanted to do something to help or raise money but it wasn’t until I entered a marathon this year that I started looking.  That was when I found HOPE, and the trustees seemed to have had similar experiences to me.

They obviously put in a lot of time and effort to make sure that support is given to the people who need it most and where it will help the most.  The projects they are part of will help the young people of Cambodia and enable them to become independent, improving their lives for the future while respecting local customs and businesses.  It will allow them to break out of poverty and then help others to do the same through learning and playing.

There is so much we take for granted in our lives, so visiting the orphanage in Cambodia was really emotional for me.  I was amazed by everyone’s generosity with sponsorship and I know the money raised will go a long way.  The months of training I put in really paid off too as the marathon went really well.  The weather was perfect, the marshals were very friendly and encouraging and we kept a good pace.  We ended up finishing over ten minutes faster than we intended, despite the last mile being pretty much all uphill!  I thought I might cross the finish line thinking “never again” but I actually can’t wait for the next challenge now!

As for the winners, The Book Club came in at close second but were pipped at the post by 3 Under the Eight with 62 points!

It was good to see some old school faces, thank you Colin’s Cavaliers for coming and Heidi and Katy for their continuous support! In conjunction with the quiz we ran a raffle and thanks to Sarah for rallying around and selling a bunch of tickets which boosted the nights funds no end! The Landlords of the pub donated further into the pot rounding the total figure to £300.00. Thank you Jane and Alan for providing the venue and all your support!

A big thank you to my Mum for researching and reading out the questions and for Dad for being a diligent score keeper and for paying for the winning round of drinks!  Thanks to all those for coming and for helping the evening to be great fun! We plan to do another one soon, but not on the same night as England playing football!!  I shall keep you posted.

In the meantime, why not test your knowledge and try some of the following questions…

1. In New Orleans, the Mardi Gras festival occurs each year in which month?
2. Prior to 1664, what was New York called?
3. Which animal’s name literally means river horse?
4. By what name is the lower jawbone in vertebrates more correctly known?
5. What football team is nick named the Trotters?
6. Which twisting circuit on the Grand Prix calendar is only 1.95 miles long?
7. What is the name of the route from Winchester to the shrine of Thomas Becket at Canterbury?
8. In 1967, what was filmed around West Malling, the High Street and the airfield as a backdrop for a promotional video?
9. Where did the Flintstones live?
10. What is the value of the letter “G” in scrabble?

Send your answers in on the contact us page and see if you are worthy for the next pub quiz challenge!!

After having faced his share of dust, red sand, rain, dirt, and Cambodian roads of varying conditions, Thomas was looking forward to cycle the beautiful scenic route from London to Brighton in HOPE’s London to Brighton Cycle Challenge alongside Katy Shaw who commutes to central London everyday by bicycle.

Both challengers took on Tanya’s 2009 cycle challenge and showed great motivation and fitness after conquering the 50 + miles from Streatham to Brighton Pier. Saturday night poured with rain and it was sheer luck that it cleared by 7am on Sunday morning.

After leaving London and suburbia behind, the journey took them through picturesque Surrey and Sussex villages. Taking rest at Pease Pottage service station, Heidi and I stocked up their supplies before setting off for the rest of the journey in beautiful sunshine. 5 hours later we were all on Brighton Beach sipping champagne not only congratulating the completion of the challenge but also Heidi’s birthday!

Big thanks go out to many people who made this day possible. After officially cancelling the cycle ride, Katy and Thomas were both so determined to do it they made it possible alongside Heidi who, after rallying round friends and colleagues, secured lots of funds. Not only that, she cooked a fantastic meal the night before ensuring enough carbohydrates were on board enabling the riders to be fuelled all day. She filled up lunch packs with bananas, muesli bars, and flapjacks to ensure they had enough to eat along the way.

Thanks also to Harry and Phil for lending Thomas a bike! Jo (Katy’s sister), Izzy (Katy’s niece), Steve (Old Geezer from the Berners) Tanya, Rob, Noeleen and little Erin for being there at the finishing line in support of Katy and Thomas’ efforts.

In addition thank you to everyone who sponsored Thomas and Katy and motivating them to fulfill their challenge. Katy has been so inspired she is already waiting with anticipation for next year’s fundraiser!!

After Harnessing Oddlesofdosh through Pedaling and Exhaustion, the sponsorship is a FANTASTIC £1,408.00. Can we tip over to £1,500? Sponsorship pages are still open and if you would like to show your support and congratulate Thomas and Katy visit….

• http://www.justgiving.com/thomasholdohansen/
• http://www.justgiving.com/hopel2b/