Changing The Chain: Ride West Africa involved four young men cycling 7500km through West Africa to raise awareness of and help prevent child slavery in Ghana. They ‘changed the chain’ by helping to alter the cycle of poverty that perpetuates child slavery. The group was made up of brothers James and Patrick O’Callaghan along with their mates Sean Connell and Cameron Doueal, who undertook this ambitious expedition in support of YGAP’s efforts to reduce the incidences of child slavery in the Ghanaian fishing industry.
Departing from Seville, Spain on November 1st, the trio cycled Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, Mali, Burkina Faso before finishing in Tema at the YGAP supported Children’s Village. The ride took four months. Along the way, they visited several sites of the now extinct Atlantic slave trade to understand what went on in the past, and strengthen their resolve to see modern day slavery also abolished.
Ride Facts:
- Starting Date: 2 November 2010 Seville Spain
- End Date: 28 February 2011 Doryumu Ghana
- Distance ridden: 8000km
- Average riding per day (excluding rest days): 110km (Actual daily varied between 60-180km).
- Estimated daily calories used riding: 3200-4800
- Weight carried on bike: 25-50kg
- Countries crossed: Spain, Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana
Outcomes:
- Money Raised: $35,000, helping to complete the construction of six classrooms for YGAP’s Ghana project
- Awareness campaign: 20,000 visits to our website: http://ridewestafrica.bounce.com.au/
Riders:
Patrick O’callaghan
Before: Patrick was a 24 old Melbournian and a recent urban planning graduate. He has a passion for cycling and travel in Africa. Patrick hoped the ride would raise tourist awareness of the region often considered the world’s poorest, and raise funds for YGAP’s important fight against slavery in Ghana.
On the finish line: “on the finish line…It was a very overwhelming feeling…I was filled with pure pride and relief to have reached Doryumu safely with three fantastic blokes and see the great work being done at the Ghana project”.
James O’Callaghan
Before: James was a 22 Year old Melbournian, who was studying part time and working in artistic metal work. He has a strong passion for surfing. James believed that growing up in Australia he had been given opportunities others less fortunate have not.
On the finish line: “This trip really was a battle of attrition and it took its toll on me and the boys physically, financially and mentally… but I wouldn’t change a single thing it taught me alot about myself and the determination of my three camarades.”
Sean Connell
Before: Sean was a 24 Year Old Yarrawonga boy, a keen cyclist and the strongest rider of the group. Like his riding partners he aspired to raises awareness of Y-Gaps work and inspire young Australians to get involved with development projects. Sean looked forward to being immersed at a local scale in the unique cultures of West Africa.
On the finish line: “Crossing the line was a feeling hard to describe, for me it was a bit over whelming… It was also a great relief that it was finally over and we didn’t have to ride anymore, or fix any more punctures, or worry about finding food and somewhere to camp.”
Cameron Doueal
Before: Cameron was a 30 Year Old carpenter from Melbourne, he was the final addition to the team, having only met Sean in August 2010 while holidaying in Croatia. He was instantly inspired to take part in the ride as he feels that it’s a fantastic way to raise funds and awareness for Y-GAPS fight against child slavery and poverty.
On the finish line: “Words can hardly describe the feelings I had when it became clear that it was over…. For those of you who donated I am extremely happy to report that the Y-Gap project here in Tema is a complete success.”
