Many thanks to Cotswold who have given us buffs for everyone of the cycling team. They will be very useful in keeping the sweat off our brow on those long days. Much appreciated!!
May 18, 2012
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April 27, 2012
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New CFH logo
We thought the trip down Africa would be a one off event, but since it’s success it was decided that a new logo should be designed. At Ambassadors FC we have a great guy who helps us a lot with our media side of things and we would like to thank Phil Spratt for all his help in designing the logo and for the all his work with Ambassadors in Sport. I hope you all like it!
March 23, 2012
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Deadline for applications approaching
With the Cycle for Hope Europe fast approaching, legs have already started to fill up. If you are interested in applying for either the core team or one of the legs then get in touch with us at rc@aisireland.co.uk. We have placed a deadline of April 16th for all applications, so that we can prepare all the equipment we need. If you have any questions or any other queries please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
January 19, 2012
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ABC News Report – Kicking Crime
Recently ABC News screened a documentary on the Hope Academy in Drakenstein Prison, South Africa. This was the same prison that Nelson Mandela spent his last years of imprisonment and where the Cycle for Hope also finished its long journey.
In the report you get an insight into how the lives of the people in the Hope Academy have been changed, from dark pasts to brighter futures. Hear about why some are in the prison and the effect the Hope Academy has had on them. As well as interviews with Mark Slessenger, Director of the Hope Academies in South Africa.
January 19, 2012
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ONE fitness to help cyclists prepare!
ONE fitness of Portadown have kindly agreed to offer the local cyclists in the team free membership until they leave in June. They will offer team members the full use for the brand new facilities at the rugby club. This will be vital to ensure that we are all in peak shape and fitness to help us with our journey across Europe. With the Northern Ireland weather and busy schedules it is sometimes hard to get out on our bike for long cycles, so the spin classes at ONE fitness can help replicate this and help us build strength and stamina in our leg muscles.
January 19, 2012
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Chain Reaction Cycles Sponsorship
Chain Reaction Cycles have continued to get behind the Cycle for Hope project and vision and have kindly agreed to give 20% off any purchases that team members make. We would like to thank them for there generosity and support over the last number of years. A very friendly and professional company that are world leaders in there field. Great for Northern Ireland.
January 6, 2012
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Website
The website is currently being updated so bear with us as we archive the Cycle for Hope (CFH) Africa pages and add new CFH Europe pages. Thank you!
November 18, 2011
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Cycle for Hope Europe
Following the success of the original Cycle for Hope trip down Africa, join us on an adventurous mission trip across Europe. Cycle 3000kms through 8 countries during the European Championships and see how God can use you to reach others through football. On our way we will be involved in various outreaches working alongside local Churches and AIS Offices.
November 10, 2010
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Mark Baxter
Post Cycle Interview
- Cycle for Hope in a sentence?
An unforgettable learning experience, which I hope will encourage others to follow.
- Favourite Country on the cycle? Why?
It would be a close call between Cameroon and Burkina Faso. In both of these countries the people welcomed us so openly, going to great lengths to help us. We really appreciated these gestures and will hopefully emulate this approach to life.
- Best Experience?
For me there were many, suppose from first leaving the airport in Tangiers and realising that this is it. One of the other would have to be the day we were cycling in the Atlas mountains. It seemed like we had been climbing all day and were generally quite tired and frustrated by this. Until we came around a corner and saw a sign indicating a steep downhill! This was followed by the adrenaline rush of a 60km/h plus descent which probably only lasted a few minutes but was great. This was then followed by more hills.
- Most memorable meal?
Probably the time in Marakesh we went to McDonalds, I’m not even a big fan, but that night it was good to get some “western” food, even though it was only a few weeks into the cycle.
- Culturally, what part of Africa would you bring home?
The general way that they live each day. They take things with a really relaxed approach, turn up to things whenever, but yet still have all the time to talk to you and generally the things still get done.
- Spiritually, how did the cycle impact you?
The cycle was a great time for me. It was an opportunity to get away from all the pressures of the society we live in and see that the things which concern us and take up all our time, are in fact quite minor compared to what the people in Africa have to deal with. The enthusiasm of the people about their faith and in worship was great to be a part of.
- Now the cycle is over, Where are you now?
I came home and had a few months to try and get a direction for my life. I was fortunate to get a job as the Youth Worker on the Moira-Glenavy Circuit with the Methodist Church, meaning that I have not returned to University this year. I will also be helping out with Ambassadors as an Intern and look forward to the year ahead.
November 10, 2010
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Andy Laverty
Post Cycle Interview
- Cycle for Hope in a sentence?
Every night a different place.
- Favourite Country on the cycle? Why?
Namibia – Dairy milk, Milky bars and BBQ crisps.
- Best Experience?
Pendjari Falls, Benin and Sand boarding, Namibia.
- Most memorable meal?
Tropical curry made for us by the missionaries we stayed with in Cotonou, Benin.
- Culturally, what part of Africa would you bring home?
Everyone plays football all the time, as soon as you take out a football you will have enough people to play a game, within seconds.
- Spiritually, how did the cycle impact you?
Not as much as I had hoped, however I am more sensitive to the needs of others and the importance of sharing.
- Now the cycle is over, Where are you now?
I am currently applying to University to study Outdoor Adventure Leadership and Management, in the meantime am playing football for Ambassadors and doing a lot of rock climbing whilst looking for a job.