With over twelve million people threatened by the severe drought and famine affecting people at the Horn of Africa, several of pro cycling’s top teams and riders have generously agreed to donate jerseys for an online auction, which runs until August 14.
Arranged by the charitable organisation Save the Children Norway, the proceeds will be used to help those affected by what is the worst drought in 60 years. The following exclusive items are up for auction:
Team Sky Special Edition Tour de France 2011 jersey – signed by the Tour de France team: Edvald Boasson Hagen, Geraint Thomas, Ben Swift, Christian Knees, Rigoberto Urán, Xabier Zandio, Juan Antonio Flecha and Simon Gerrans.
Edvald Boasson Hagen’s Special Edition Team Sky TdF 2011 jersey – signed by double stage winner Edvald Boasson Hagen.
Liquigas-Cannondale jersey signed by the Tour de France team (pictured): Ivan Basso, Maciej Bodnar, Kristian Koren, Paolo Longo Borghini, Daniel Oss, Maciej Paterski, Fabio Sabatini, Sylwester Szmyd and Alessandro Vanotti.
HTC-Highroad jersey signed by its final Tour de France squad: Mark Cavendish, Bernhard Eisel, Lars Bak, Peter Velits, Tejay van Garderen, Danny Pate, Matthew Goss, Tony Martin and Mark Renshaw.
Leopard-Trek team jersey signed by Fabian Cancellara.
New addition: BMC Racing Team jersey signed by Vuelta a España team, which will include Taylor Phinney and Greg van Avermaet. Note: the auction of this item runs until August 19th, five days later than the other auctions.
Prasant Naik, the head of Save the Children in Kenya, has spoken about the importance of what is being done in Africa. “Any children fleeing hunger and war in Somalia are arriving at the camp exhausted and clinging to life. It's having a huge impact on children,” Naik said. “After the trauma of walking for weeks with very little food, they need to settle and get some routine back into their lives.”
Save the Children works to give essential emergency aid like food, water, nutrition and healthcare to children and families.
The auction and item listing can be found by clicking here:
Please note: due to language issues, foreign bidders should contact Save the Children Norway representative Mona via the email address mona.skaalevik@hotmail.com. She will be able to place bids for you and answer any questions you might have.
Additional information about what the project is available at the video link below.
Video: East Africa Food Crisis – Umi’s story (by Save the Children UK)
Photos can be viewed here:
VeloNation would like to applaud the involvement of the riders and teams concerned, and to thank you for any support you can give to this crucial initiative. Good luck with the bidding!