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Spinning for Afghan Children

Troops from several nations braved hot conditions at Kandahar Air Field on 18 April to conduct a spinning marathon to raise money for the charity War Child International. War Child International proceeds are used for the promotion of children’s rights through physical education and traditional Afghan games and music.

The marathon ran from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with people committing to complete different durations of time in the high endurance stationary cycling event.

“I feel broken,” said Dutch Marine Captain Didier Buddelmeijer, a certified spinning instructor who also served as one of two coordinators for the event. “I am hurting a little,” Buddelmeijer laughed, “but in the end it was really worth it.”

Over 40 spinners enrolled in the event and they all supported each other as curious onlookers made donations to the cause.

“I was impressed with the enthusiasm that everyone showed here today,” stated Buddelmeijer. “It seems everyone got involved and had a great time. This event was far better than I could have ever expected.”

One spinner, Dutch Army Captain Ellen De Jonge, worked for the entire day for what she believed was a great cause. “I feel really good right now,” said De Jonge. “I have been here since October of last year and I have done a couple of marathons, but this one is the best. I leave here in about 10 days and I am proud to say that this is my departing gift to the children of Afghanistan.”

Another coordinator for the event, Rene Derksen, a Warrant Officer in the Dutch Air Force, was proud of the participation and the amount of money the event raised for the children of Afghanistan.

“When we first looked into this event, everyone thought it would be a good idea,” said Derksen. “It took us a total of two hours to get the whole event organized. It seems everyone was willing to donate time, equipment and personnel to the event.”

“We raised over 9,700 dollars today,” stated a pleased Derksen. “It was more money than we ever expected. The best part is, for every 20 dollars we get, War Child can support a child for a whole year.”

ISAF

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This entry was posted on Friday, April 24th, 2009 at 10:00 am and is filed under War on Terror, Afghanistan, Charity, War on Terror, Afghanistan, Rebuilding, Society, Sports, War on Terror. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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