The Irish flag is to be flown for the first time at one of the world’s most popular motor sport events, the Dakar Rally. The rally, which takes place in January 2010 in Argentina and Chile, is regarded by many as the most difficult in the world.
From January 3 to 17, Team Dakar Ireland will endeavour to complete the gruelling 10,000 km course, which travels through varied terrain including mountains and deserts from Buenos Aires to Santiago and back. Team Dakar Ireland is the only fully Irish team to ever compete in the event and is entering in the bike category.
As well as flying the flag for Ireland, the team are also working in partnership with the Midlands Simon Community to help them raise much needed funds.
Dr Gerald Kean officially launched Team Dakar Ireland last week in the magnificent grounds of Birr Castle, with support from Lord and Lady Rosse. The embassies of both Argentina and Chile have also expressed strong support for the team, and the Chilean Ambassador, H.E. Miss Cecilia McKenna, was present.
Manager of Team Dakar Ireland, Gary O’Keeffe said; “Team Dakar Ireland is proud to announce our partnership with Midlands Simon. People who experience homelessness face more challenges in life than most...The volunteering emphasis of Simon is a perfect fit with the spirit of Team Dakar Ireland. It is our aim to raise at least €50,000 for Midlands Simon through a range of fundraising events and also to help them to highlight the issue of homelessness”.
Tony O’Riordan, CEO Midlands Simon Community, added; “We are absolutely delighted to be associated with Team Dakar Ireland. It is a very significant boost to our work to be the official charity of the first ever Irish team in what is undoubtedly the toughest and one of the most watched sporting events in the world, and we would like to say a huge thank you to Gary and all the team for the level of commitment and desire they have shown to make this happen.
“We would strongly encourage all Irish people to show their support for the project and get behind Team Dakar Ireland. The project highlights the fact that when we work together we can all make a difference, and overcome any challenge, even the Dakar Rally.”
People can show support for Team Dakar Ireland by logging on to www.teamdakarireland.com or by supporting any of the events between now and January.
