Garry West-
Garry West-Bail wants to run and cycle from HCMC to Hanoi to raise money for KOTO (Know One Teach One).
On 12 October 2013, Garry will run 25km around HCMC before joining the Swannies for an Auskick clinic at RMIT University.
Afterwards, he will watch the big clash between the Vietnam Swans and the Southern Dragons (Melbourne-based (predominantly) Vietnamese footy club and sister club of the Swannies). The following day Garry will set off for Hanoi.
Gary explains more below, as per the Intrepid Foundation’s website.
I’m planning on running and riding 1,000 kilometres from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, and I need your help!!
It was Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam war that sparked my interest, but it has been the history, culture and the amazing people that has kept me returning over the past 25 years. Through all my visits, my readings and understanding of the country, I knew I wanted to give of myself to the people of Vietnam. Many activities, including volunteering at an orphanage and studying Vietnamese language, have impacted my decision to commit to a fundraising project in support of KOTO.
KOTO is a vocational training organisation for street and disadvantaged youth in Vietnam. Hundreds of teenagers are given the opportunity to participate in a two-year hospitality course. The results are amazing – transforming their lives and those of their families and community.
As a way of showing my respect for the Vietnamese culture and people, I will be running and cycling from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi – a distance of 1000 kms. The trip will take 10 days – running 25 kms and riding 75 kms on average per day.
And this is where I need your assistance! I am hoping to raise a minimum of $36,000 for this extraordinary organisation, which will support 15 youth through KOTO’s two year program. Your donation, big or small, will be greatly appreciated and help make an enormous difference in these young peoples lives.
For more information on my mission, please visit Run Koto Run or KOTO.
Background information
- Garry West-Bail’s son, Rohan plays for the Melbourne Football Club. In 2010, Rohan donated one of his jumpers to the Vietnam Swans to auction at our AFL Grand Final Party.
Josh Little presents Melbourne footballer, Rohan Bail, with a Swannies jumper carrying his number, at the 2010 Asian Championships in Shanghai.
- At the October 2010 Asian Championships in Shanghai, Coach Josh Little presented Rohan with a No. 44 Vietnam Swans jumper. Click here for story.
- Back in December of last year, Josh Little met with Garry in Melbourne to discuss ways that the Vietnam Swans could support his initiative. Click here for full story.
- Swannies platinum sponsor, Wide Eyed Tours is a supporter of Garry’s trip to Vietnam.
- The Melbourne Football Club is also a supporter of Garry’s fundraising initiative. It is also a supporter of the Southern Dragons.
Energy intake required to run and cycle from HCMC to Hanoi
Rohan Bail, an AFL footballer with Melbourne, has given his old man a few tips on energy intake for his mega Run KOTO Run campaign. Check out the note below:
“Hey dad, I think you need to do some research on supplement and energy intake for the trip.
Covering 100k+, I’m estimating you’ll lose more than 4kg just in fluid. Therefore, you need to be taking in approx 6L of pure water plus your gatorades and sugary/glycogen drinks.
“As for food, I’ve done a little bit of reading and you’re going to need to be taking in about 200 calories per hour. So we’re talking 1/4 cup dried fruit and fruit and nut bar. A banana with 10 almonds. An English muffin with cream cheese n jam. A protein bar and some strawberries. Slice of banana bread. While wheat crackers and cheese. Two large hard boiled eggs covered in seasoning. A rice cake topped with almond butter etc etc. along with fluid supplements.
“That’s every our! While you’re riding. Not only will this help you get through each day, but you’ll need to load up on natural sugars, fats and carbs at the end of each day to ensure you’re fueled for the next day. We can work on these lists later.
“Sleep will also be really important. You might not have the energy to go sight seeing every night. You might for a night or two but if u want to back up for almost 2 weeks straight, you’re going to need to rest.
Most important of all will be replenishing fuel with food and fluid.”
