80kms for 80m displaced
Olympians help locals train for Bike to Belong
OLYMPIC kayakers Jordan and Alyce Wood have thrown their support behind Toowoomba refugees participating in an annual event where city residents will cycle 80 kilometres in recognition of our refugee community, and those struggling to find a place in the world.
About 2500 humanitarian refugees have been settled in Toowoomba over the last five years.
Events like Bike to Belong are important in recognising their struggles, and practising solidarity.
Bike to Belong is an annual event that encourages riders to pedal for 80kms in recognition of the 80 million people displaced all over the world.
“We are asking people to each ride 80km and raise anywhere from $80 to $800 during World Refugee Week,” You Belong founder Tim Buxton said.
“While our work is here in Toowoomba, we are drawing attention to the 80 million displaced people around the world, with a portion of the funds raised to support frontline care for refugees in Iraq and Uganda.”
While preparing for the upcoming Olympic Games, the Woods have also helped prepare local participants as they train for the mammoth event this weekend.
“We are super excited to share our love for sport with these new Australians, and we will be taking some of their enthusiasm for Toowoomba to Tokyo,” Mr Wood said.
The event began on June 13, and will continue through to June 20 for World Refugee Week.
You Belong is a Toowoomba-based organisation that supports refugees to integrate into the community and help them feel at home.