To help raise funds for the Assyrian Schools in Iraq, The Assyrian Aid Society - Australia held a cycling event, starting in Melbourne and finishing in Sydney, a total of 850 km, equivalent to the distance between London to Frankfut, going through Brussel.

Our committee member Mr. Youash Tower together with his brother Mr. Joe Tower cycled the entire distance, and they were joined by other cyclists at different stages of the ride. The cyclist were accompanied by family and committee members in support vehicles.

The duration of the ride was 9 days, beginning in Melbourne on Saturday 9 May 2009 and arrived at the Assyrian Sports and Cultural Club, Fairfield on Sunday 17 May 2009, where a welcoming celebration party was held in honour of the cyclists and the crew.

This is the first time any Assyrian had attempted cycling this distance, and what better cause than to preserve our language, culture, and the future of our kids at the Assyrian schools in Bet-Nahrain.

A total of $21,670 was raised from raffle ticket sale, which will entirely go towards the costs of running the Assyrian Schools and Dormitories in Iraq. In addition to the tickets, a further $5330 has so far been raised through sponsorship and donation by very generous Assyrian Organisations and individuals from around the world, to support the cause. If you would like to make a donation for this worth cause, please send your cheque or money order to :

The Assyrian Aid Society – Australia Incorporated

38 Alfred Street, Milsons Point NSW 2061.

Or contact Ms. Shoushan Tower on (02) 9564-3668.

The winners of the raffle draw are :

1st prize - ticket 0855 - D. Lazaar

2nd prize - ticket 0630 - Zaia Khammo

3rd prize - ticket 0647 - Ashur Khano

4th prize - ticket 0828 - khalid Al Dabbagh

5th prize - ticket 0054 - Yaco Esho Khamees

6th prize - ticket 0652 - Melody Marovkec

7th prize - ticket 1305 - Adnan Khamis

AAS-Australia would like to thank you for your support and hope that you will continue assisting us in our endeavours to send much needed aid to those less fortunate than ourselves.

Some photos from the event