“Sri Lanka is attracting the interest of the global sports enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike” - Al Mansoori
Following up on a successful launch in 2009 that attracted participants from around the world, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau’s (SLTPB) Middle East office announced its official support for the forthcoming Lanka Challenge, a 12-day charity adventure rickshaw race taking place in Sri Lanka from 28th August to 8th September 2010.
This meaningful adventure is organized by Large Minority and attracts global intrepid travelers to traverse Sri Lanka in one of the funkiest modes of transport invented by man ‐ the humble auto rickshaw.
“Sri Lanka offers the adventurous holidaymaker the trip of a lifetime,” remarked Heba Al Ghais Al Mansoori, Middle East Director of SLTPB. “The island nation is rapidly becoming a preferred tourist destination for adventure seekers who want a stimulating vacation to recharge their batteries and energize their outlook,” she added.
This edition will also explore the East Coast; wild, adventurous and less travelled territory ‐ and participants can expect even more remote, scenic and challenging roads.
The 12-day rickshaw Challenge, will give teams of two or three a close up and personal experience of some of the most fascinating historical sites and natural delights of the spice island, while raising money for local charities and environmental organizations.
Julian Carnall, Partner and Organizer of Large Minority, who along with Juan Paredes conceived and organised the event says: “After the success of the Lanka Challenge 2009, it is only natural to carry on our legacy and continue our meaningful adventure. We hope to once again captivate the world through our responsible tourism initiatives, which in this occasion will also include the Tamil speaking areas”. Paredes adds: “We want to bring positive change and make a difference, but most importantly we want to show the world that Sri Lanka is a safe and peaceful place to visit. It is an island of endless diversity, it is beautiful, sweet and gentle, exotic and interesting, simply fascinating ‐ we both adore it”.
“Such adventure sports events help in generating international media exposure for Sri Lanka and SLTPB seeks to successfully capitalize on this heightened international awareness of the island nation in the post-conflict era to publicize the country’s top class hospitality industry and sporting attractions,” observed Ms Al Mansoori.
“Sri Lanka’s first-class sporting facilities and ideal year-round weather make it an ideal destination for an action-packed holiday. The variety of sports on offer varies from deep-sea fishing to river rafting and from golf to cricket,” remarked Ms. Al Mansoori.
The Lanka Challenge team has partnered with charities based in Sri Lanka as well as the Red Cross Foundation. A total of 10 per cent of each team’s entry fee will be split evenly between the two main partner charities.
Regardless of whether it’s excitement or relaxation that you crave, Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and history is sure to captivate and charm visitors as evidenced by countless travelers who have visited throughout the ages. The island is only four hours flying time from the Gulf and travelling there is easy with several international flights connecting to Colombo Airport.
