Pedalling to fund cancer hospital

Dubai: As a youngster Karthi Selvaratnam always liked to challenge himself and do different things. But now he must tackle his first real test, the 92km Spinneys Dubai Cycle Challenge, as he hopes to raise money for a cancer hospital in his native Sri Lanka.

An equine dentist at the Jebel Ali Stables and Clerk of the Course on race days at the Jebel Ali Racecourse, Selvaratnam is taking his endeavour seriously. He has been in hard training for the past two months on his Giant SCR2 road bike, which he trusts will see him secure a good finish on Friday.

"My goal is to be competitive. I have been training very hard for this and hopefully I can do well," Selvaratnam said. "To be able to challenge myself in a road cycle race is very appealing. If I finish among the top performers I would be completely happy, if I don't I won't be disappointed either.

Huge impact

"Competing in the race is my way of bringing focus on something that has made a huge impact on my life — the tsunami that hit the Jaffna peninsula in 2004 and it's after effects. If anyone thinks that the situation of the victims has improved since then they will be shocked. There are so many people still suffering in Sri Lanka," he added.

"The brutal civil war in our country did not make things easier. I was in Sri Lanka when the tsunami happened and it changed my life forever.

"Now I want to give back something and help raise money for a paediatric cancer ward at the Jaffna General Hospital."

A non-profit organisation called The Colours of Courage Trust has been set up in the hope of raising $2 million (Dh7.34 million) to build the cancer ward and Selvaratnam is hoping to raise what he calls as a ‘small amount' to donate to that worthy cause.

"I am in a position to help, however small. I have been talking to people in Dubai and many have come forward to contribute," he said. "It's amazing how many people want to get involved.

"So when I compete in Friday's race the Jaffna hospital project will be very much on my mind. I will be cycling for those who are suffering back home and to raise awareness in Dubai."

Selvaratnam has already collected more than $15,000 in donations and hopes to double that figure through his participation in the Dubai Cycle Challenge, a race which is open to both professional and amateur cyclists and is expected to attract contestants from around the world.

Experience

He admits to having been inspired by Nathan Sivagananathan and Sarinda Unamboowe, the founders of TRAIL, a walk that has raised over $1.5 million for the cancer hospital.

Unamboowe said in an email to Gulf News: "Trail was a wonderful life changing experience that I was honoured to be a part of. It is an amazing testament to the reach and impact of Trail to see people from all over the world continue its legacy through various initiatives, such as participation in this cycling race. It is uplifting to see that so many people were inspired to come together and raise money for this noble cause. I would like to thank all those who have committed to raise money through this race for carrying the memory and values of Trail forward."

Many leading sports personalities and local icons like cricketers Dilshan Tillekeratne, Mahela Jayawardane and Kumar Sangakkara have pledged their support as Journey Ambassadors of Trial.

Currently, Sri Lanka has only one facility dedicated to cancer patients — the Maharagama Cancer Institute.

For more information go to the TRAIL website at www.trailsl.com