The launch ceremony for two Singaporean cyclists setting out on an international journey to raise money for sick children was held at Fudan University Children's Hospital yesterday.

Amateur cyclists Lim Wee Yin and Vincent Lee Mun Sun will start a 10,000-kilometer ride in Beijing on Saturday and expect to arrive in Singapore on November 28. Lim and Lee will ride an average of 120 kilometers each day in the next three months without a supply team.

During the journey, the pair will stop in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Hanoi, Vientiane, Chiang Mai, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur for publicity events to appeal for funds.

"The more you give, the more you get in return," Lim said. "Without rain and storms, there are no rainbows."

The project "Spokes and Sprouts," or Xiao Dou Ya, which means Little Bean Sprout in Chinese, was Lim's idea.

Before Lim's contract with a Shanghai company was coming to an end, the 48-year-old outdoor sports veteran, decided to do something meaningful for children suffering from serious diseases.

He also asked his friend Lee, 30, who currently works and lives in the city, to join him.

Lim and Lee have formed two volunteer support teams in Shanghai and Singapore to help coordinate the project.

Donations are to be shared among three charity organizations - Shanghai Children's Health Foundation, Singaporean Children's Cancer Foundation and Club Rainbow.

Lim said he enjoys cycling and being close to nature. He wished to raise awareness about caring for others in society.

While Lim will stay in Singapore after the trip, Lee will return to Shanghai.

Individuals interested in making donations can be sent directly to the beneficiary.

Lee also said he is considering cycling from Tibet to New Delhi, India, after this trip.

Updated information about the international charity adventure will be available on the Website (www.spokesandsprouts.org).

Singapore Consulate General in Shanghai, Chia Tuck Keong, Chairman of Shanghai Children's Health Foundation, Huang Rongkui, and child patients attended the ceremony to extend best wishes and safe pedalling to the two cyclists yesterday.

(Shanghai Daily August 19, 2004)