A Race Against Slavery for Cameron Brown   28 Aug 2014

Media Release

A Race Against Slavery for Cameron Brown

Hot off the heels of his victory in 2XU Desaru Triathlon in Malaysia, Kiwi triathlete Cameron Brown has set himself another challenge, this time the race is on to save women and children from slavery.

After finding out that a child is trafficked every 30 seconds and the average age of a trafficking victim is only 12 years old, the ten-time winner of Ironman New Zealand was compelled to do something to change these appalling statistics.

On August 30, Cameron Brown will be cycling in the annual TEAR Fund Poverty Cycle challenge in order to raise awareness and funds to fight human trafficking.

Brown says, “I am privileged to be in a position where I can use my passion for cycling to do something to set women and children free. I cannot imagine anything more despicable than forcing a young child to a live of servitude and stripping them of their dignity.”

The Poverty Cycle is a road relay race that pits teams of six against each other to complete six laps of a 20km circuit. The majority of the money raised in the Poverty Cycle, is going towards preventing women and children in Southeast Asia from being trafficked and helping them to rebuild their lives once they have been rescued. A portion of the funds will go towards a mentoring programme for vulnerable youth here in New Zealand.

Cameron Brown is encouraging all Kiwis to enter the challenge with him. “I know we’ve got a very strong cycling culture here in New Zealand and I just really challenge Kiwis to get on their bike and to do something to help end trafficking. He says, “How would you feel if it was your daughter, sister or mother who was trafficked? The pain these poor women are going through is very real.”

The money raised through the Poverty Cycle challenge last year helped TEAR Fund’s partners to rescue 39 girls held in bondage in Southeast Asia, prosecuted 12 offenders, and enabled our partners to move into a new community in Nepal to help protect and rehabilitate the most vulnerable women and children there.

The event will be held at 7am on August the 30 at the Ti Papa Events Centre in Clevedon, Auckland.

For more information or to register for the challenge go to www.povertycycle.org.nz

ENDS

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