The annual grocery wholesale and convenience retail charity bike ride, set up in 2015 by Neil Turton, MD of Sugro, and Tom Fender, Development Director of TWC, to raise money for the Manchester-based landmine clearance charity, Mines Advisory Group (MAG), will return as an overseas trip in 2022.
It will take place across the Western Balkans, starting in Dubrovnik on June 10 2022 and finishing in Sarajevo on June 15.
Bike Bosnia 2022 will be the sixth international ride – the previous five challenges have taken place in regions which, like Bosnia, are impacted by the legacy of conflict (including Laos, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Cambodia). To date, the rides have raised an immense £730,000 for the charity.
Tom Fender added: "The devastating conflict in the Western Balkans ended in 1995. The war claimed an estimated 100,000 lives and displaced another 2.2 million people. Many people will recall seeing the horrific images on the news. ‘Bike Bosnia’ will allow riders to learn more about the deadly legacy of the war — the most deadly European conflict since World War II — whilst raising funds for a fantastic cause."
Darren Cormack, CEO of MAG, in welcoming the Bike Bosnia event, commented: “The Bikes against Bombs initiative raises vital funds for MAG’s work around the world. With their support, our teams are able to clear even more landmines and unexploded bombs helping conflict-affected communities to live free from fear of death and injury and to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
"On behalf of everyone at MAG around the world, thanks so much for all the support - the team have raised an extraordinary £730,000 since 2015, and we are thrilled that Bike Bosnia is taking place in 2022! The team there are excited to welcome them and I hope to join them for a few days in June to show my support for the team — let the training begin!"
Places are still available for the Bike Bosnia event and Tom and Neil are calling for more riders to get involved: "The ride is open to anyone working in the sector. It is an ideal opportunity for people to network while raising money for a fantastic cause. Places are limited and filling up fast. Please contact us soon if you would like to join us or find out more information."
The dates are 10th-15th June 2022 inclusive. Anyone wanting more information about the ride, or about sponsorship opportunities, should speak to Neil, Tom or Sarah Tavener (sarah.tavener@maginternational.org)
