BTM December 2011 125 downtimeyoungachiever The idea is simple. You leave behind all forms of civilisation, head to foreign ground with little more than the clothes on your back and use an auto rickshaw to cross the terrains of India — from Meghalaya to Rajasthan to be specific — in only two weeks. After watching the Mongol Rally on the National Geographic channel, Hisham Shehabi, Tariq Al Olaimy and Hisham Ali found out that the same organisers were planning a Rickshaw Run in celebration of World Diabetes Day. A few clicks later, without giving it a second thought, they were registered online. After three weeks of being on the waiting list, they booked their flight to New Delhi. Seeing that blue is the official colour of the campaign and that camels are native to both the Arab region and the state of Rajasthan, where the finish line was going to be, the trio dubbed themselves as ‘The Blue Camels’. When asked why they decided to do this, they unanimously answer, “For adventure, friendship, tourism, adrenaline rush, diabetes, great food and great people.” Those ideals, short of lack of sleep, vehicle breakdowns and stolen items, summed up their once in a lifetime adventure. The event has built up a reputation as one of the most ridiculously fun quests in the name a good cause. Held three times a year — around the New Year and in spring and the autumn — the official charity of the race is the Frank Water Projects which provides clean drinking water to rural areas in India. “A part of the funds we raised will be donated to diabetes awareness projects conducted in coordination with the Bahrain Diabetes Society,” says Hisham Shehabi. During the course of the run, the 73 participating teams had the unique opportunity to visit hospitals and diabetes centres in the region. “Learning the major issues caused by diabetes in India was very enlightening. It also was a great way to get in touch with the natives of each city, to learn from them, and to share our experiences with diabetes in Bahrain,” he adds. “It was a great opportunity to enhance relations between Bahrain, the GCC and India in the field of fighting diabetes.” Keeping aside all praises for the mission, they admit that they would not try it again next year only because they look forward to trying out new ventures. After having gone through two weeks of breakdowns, accidents, language barriers and monsoon showers, these three youngsters have come out of their Indian experience enlightened, humbled and with a first hand knowledge that an auto rickshaw might not be the best vehicle created! Take One for Diabetes ELMA BARTHOLOMEW In probably one of the wildest rides of their lives, three men became the first Arabs to participate in the infamous Rickshaw Run.
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