The Cause
Changing The Chain: Ride West Africa involves three young men cycling through West Africa to raise awareness and help reduce the incidence of child slavery in Ghana. They mean to “change the chain” by helping to alter the cycle of poverty that perpetuates child slavery. The trio is made up of Brothers James (22) and Patrick O’Callaghan (24) along with their mate Sean Connell (24). It is an ambitious expedetion cycling some 7500km through West Africa in support of YGAPs efforts to both prevent and reduce the incidence of child slavery in the Ghananian fishing industry.
The Route
Departing from Seville, Spain on November 1st this year we will cycle Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, Mali, Burkina Faso before finishing in Tema at the YGAP supported Children’s Village. It is estimated the ride will take between three and four months. Along the way they boys will visit tourist sites, remote regions, and cities which will give them a good insight into the region. They also plan to visit several sites of the now extinct Atlantic slave trade to understand what went on in the past and strengthen the resolve to see modern day slavery also abolished.
Whilst raising money and awerness for the project in Ghana is the immediate aim they also have some broader objectives for undertaking this journey which include;
Finishing the adventure SAFELY, knowing they broke through the physical, mental and cultural barriers
Using media, social media and our website to advertise to as wider audience as possible that slavery is a massive problem in todays society and to galvanise opposition to it.
Ride Facts:
Starting Date: 1 November 2010
Estimated rest days: 21-24 days
Estimated Riding days: 90
Trip Days: 124
Estimated average riding per day (excluding rest days): 75km (Actual daily distance will vary between 40-150km_.
Approx end date: 24-28 February 2011
Estimated daily calories used riding: 3200-4800
Riders:
Patrick O’callaghan
Patrick is a 24 old Melbournian and a recent graduate of urban planning. He has a passion for cycling and the Collingwood Football Club. Patrick hopes the ride will raise awareness of the region often considered the world’s poorest, and raise funds for YGAP’s important fight against slavery in Ghana.
James O’Callaghan
James is a 22 Year old Melbournian who is currently studying and working in artistic metal works. He has a strong passion for surfing. James believes that growing up in Australia he has been given opportunities others less fortunate have not. He hopes the ride will raise awareness of the plight of child slaves in Ghana.
Sean Connell
Sean is a 24 Year Old Yarrawonga boy, a keen cyclist and the strongest rider of the three. Like his riding partners he hopes the ride raises awareness of Y-Gaps work and inspires young Australians to get involved with development projects. Sean looks forward to being immersed at a local scale in the unique cultures of West Africa
Contact:
Sean Connell
0413 880 664
03-98591743
sean@ridewestafrica.com
Patrick O’Callaghan
0419 585 974
03-98538920
patrick@ridewestafrica.com
James O’Callaghan
0421 779 816
03-98538920
james@ridewestafrica.com
For more information visit our website, facebook page, flickr and you tube where you can learn more about the ride and follow us while we are over there. The links can be found below.
