Cambodian Cyclist Raises Over $260,000 for Children's Healthcare Through Global Expedition

A Cambodian cyclist, Tiv Dararith, has successfully completed a two-year journey covering nearly 60,000 kilometers across more than 40 countries, raising over $260,000 for the Kantha Bopha Foundation and Angkor Hospital for Children. This initiative, dubbed 'Cycling for Cambodia’s Children', not only focused on fundraising but also aimed to inspire Cambodian youth to dream beyond their borders, showcasing the potential of Cambodians on the global stage.

During a press conference on July 27, marking the campaign's conclusion, Dararith described his expedition as a historic record for Cambodia. He expressed his hope that young Cambodians would take pride in their capabilities and aspire to achieve even greater milestones. He noted that one day there would be people who are more capable than him, smarter than him and able to travel even farther.

“We can do it. One day there will be people who are more capable than me, smarter than me and able to travel even farther.”Tiv Dararith, Cyclist

The funds raised will support the Kantha Bopha Foundation and Angkor Hospital, both of which provide free medical care to children in Cambodia. The initiative received backing from the Ministry of Information, with Minister Neth Pheaktra attending the closing event. Dararith stressed that public confidence had been central to the campaign’s success, assuring that the fundraising was conducted with complete transparency and accountability.

“Using a Cambodian passport to travel through all those countries was almost impossible. But through determination, careful planning and perseverance, I managed to complete the mission successfully.”Tiv Dararith, Cyclist

Despite facing numerous challenges during his travels, including extreme weather conditions and health issues like malaria, Dararith noted that the hardest part was securing enough funds to complete his mission. He also highlighted the difficulties of traveling on a Cambodian passport, which he described as a significant hurdle. He remarked that using a Cambodian passport to travel through all those countries was almost impossible, but through determination, careful planning and perseverance, he managed to complete the mission successfully.

Looking ahead, Dararith has plans for several new projects, including writing a book about his journey and producing a documentary titled Two Years on a Bike. He also aims to organize an exhibition featuring photographs and equipment from his expedition and is seeking support from the Ministry of Tourism for a six-month cycling tour across Cambodia. This domestic journey is intended to showcase Cambodia’s natural tourism destinations while continuing to promote humanitarian efforts.

“I hope these efforts can serve as an example for Cambodian youth that we can achieve great things and continue working together to help our society.”Tiv Dararith, Cyclist

Dararith hopes these efforts can serve as an example for Cambodian youth that they can achieve great things and continue working together to help their society.