VietNamNet Bridge – Saigon Cyclo Challenge hosted by Saigon Children’s Charity (SCC) will be back but at a new location, Celadon City near the Aeon Mall in HCMC’s Tan Phu District, instead of Phu My Hung town in District 7.

Local actress Diem My, the ambassador for this year’s Saigon Cyclo Challenge.

Slated for 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 22 the challenge will be attended by 12 teams, including the current champions Giant, Crown, Hoang Long – Hoan Vu JOC, Pizza Hut, Caravelle Hotel, and Hitachi Asia (Vietnam). The organizer also announced local actress/model/MC Diem My as the event’s ambassador to help raise funds and support for disadvantaged children and young adults in Vietnam.

According to Tim Mullet, chairman of the organizing committee and director of SCC, this year’s race is different from previous events as the rider of each team has to carry a passenger and many items on a cyclo in four different stages during the race instead a straight speed race as usual. Furthermore, it encourages more teamwork in numerous activities during the race.

In particular, tickets are free for everybody, including access to some free food and drinks as well as a lucky draw. There are cheerleading, teams’ parade, live music performances, games for children and a Flea Market featuring hand-made products from local producers.

Mullet said he expects to raise about US$40,000 at this event to provide scholarships and vocational training, and build schools for poor children. Last year, the organizer raised US$38,000 at the 14th edition of the event at the Crescent at Phu My Hung town.

Since its debut in 2001, the cyclo challenge has raised almost US$700,000 to support disadvantaged children and young adults in Vietnam, with over 21,000 participants.

Tickets for the event are available from March 12 to 21, and can be collected from the SCC’s office at 59 Tran Quoc Thao Street in HCMC’s District 3, Caravelle Hotel in District 1, The Bike Shop in District 2, Boomerang Café in HCMC’s District 7 and at the venue on the day. Tickets are free but donations are encouraged.

SGT