Cambodian Cyclist Raises Over $260,000 for Children's Hospitals in Two-Year Global Ride

A Cambodian cyclist has completed a remarkable two-year, nearly 60,000-kilometer journey across more than 40 countries, raising over $260,000 for children's hospitals. Tiv Dararith, the cyclist behind the "Cycling for Cambodia's Children" campaign, stated at a July 27 press conference marking the expedition's conclusion that his mission was about more than just charity. "This mission meant more than charity. It was a new milestone for me and the Kingdom, with me becoming the first Cambodian to cycle through more than 40 countries and bring Cambodia’s name onto the international stage," Dararith said. "I hope Cambodian young people will be proud and see a bigger picture. We can do it. One day there will be people who are more capable than me, smarter than me and able to travel even farther, continuing to bring Cambodia to the world." The full proceeds will go to the Kantha Bopha Foundation and Angkor Hospital for Children, which provide free medical treatment and healthcare services for Cambodian children. The closing press conference was hosted by the Ministry of Information and attended by Information Minister Neth Pheaktra and representatives from the recipient hospitals. Dararith recounted facing harsh environments, including cycling at altitudes of 6,000 meters in the Himalayas, enduring temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius in Central Asia, and contracting malaria in Central Africa, an illness that nearly claimed his life. However, he stated that these physical dangers were not the greatest obstacle. "People saw through my documentary that I encountered countless dangers and obstacles, but those were not the biggest challenge," he said. "The greatest challenge was how to raise enough money to complete the mission successfully and return home safely." He also highlighted the difficulties of traveling on a Cambodian passport. "Using a Cambodian passport to travel through all those countries was almost impossible. But through determination, careful planning and perseverance, I managed to complete the mission successfully." Dararith expressed his sincere gratitude to Information Minister Neth Pheaktra for supporting the initiative from its inception. He also stressed the central role of public confidence in the campaign's success. "I want to assure everyone that this campaign was conducted with 100% transparency and accountability. Together we successfully delivered more than $260,000 in donations to the Kantha Bopha Foundation and Angkor Hospital for Children," he stated. He expressed hope that his efforts would serve as an example for Cambodian youth, encouraging them to believe they can achieve great things and contribute meaningfully to society. "I believe the information ministry can play a maximum role in encouraging public participation in humanitarian activities and donations for Cambodian children. The ministry has already done tremendous work in promoting and supporting charitable initiatives across society," he added. Although his global cycling expedition has concluded, Dararith has several new projects underway. These include writing a book about his journey, producing a documentary titled "Two Years on a Bike," organizing an exhibition of his photographs and equipment, and seeking support from the Ministry of Tourism for a six-month cycling tour across Cambodia. This domestic journey aims to showcase Cambodia's natural tourism destinations to international audiences while continuing to demonstrate how adventurous travel can serve humanitarian and national causes.