Β (Images above from Laura Pellegrino, Pirae Cyclisme, CCC Foundation and UP IAM)Β
The International Association for Suicide Preventionβs annual virtual cycling event, Cycle Around the Globe, concluded with resounding success for the tenth year running, bringing together participants from all corners of the world in a shared mission to raise awareness of suicide prevention.Β Β
The event was hosted virtually, enabling participants to walk, run and cycle from anywhere in the world, and then submit their results online. The 2023 event saw an incredible surge in participation, with over 5,000 participants from over 45 countries coming together to break the stigma surrounding suicide. Teams and individuals from across the globe joined the month-long event, from World Suicide Prevention Day until World Mental Health Day, logging a phenomenal 275,335 kilometers β A distance equivalent to over 6 times around the globe!Β Β
The event’s primary goal was to raise awareness of suicide prevention. By pedalling for this cause, participants sent a powerful message that mental health matters and that there is a supportive community ready to listen and help. The current World Suicide Prevention Day theme, βCreating Hope Through Actionβ is a reminder that there is an alternative to suicide. It aims to inspire confidence and light in all of us; that our actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who may be struggling.β―Β
Over 60 teams took on the challenge globally this year, including, Vilnius Sveikau, LivingWorks, Entrust, Dallas College, TPO Nepal, and Deltatre, alongside returning teams, Pirae Cyclisme, GoPro Employees for a Cause, the CCC Foundation, TelΓ©fono de la Esperanza, Univerza na Primorskem, InΕ‘titut Andrej MaruΕ‘iΔ and Verizon.β― Teams encompassed those working across the mental health space, as well as several employee volunteer programs and CSR initiatives.Β
Throughout the event, countless inspiring stories emerged. Participants shared personal experiences and connections to the cause. Laura Pellegrino’s incredible 263.3 km cycling effort, in memory of her father with ‘Remembering Richard Pellegrino,’ not only honoured his legacy, but also raised an incredible $4,596, all thanks to the unwavering support and continued conversations within her community.Β
Photo: Laura Pellegrino
As part of their World Mental Health Day activities, UP InΕ‘titut Andrej MaruΕ‘iΔ, a research institute operating within the University of Primorska, joined forces with Kilometri za ΕΎivljenje (Kilometers for Life), an annual cycling event held in Slovenia to collectively cycle a colossal 102,164 KM, finishing top of the Cycle Around the Globe 2023 leaderboard once again. Β
Each year, IASP invites the global community to come together to cycle for suicide prevention for free, to ensure anyone, anywhere in the world can get involved. This year over $14,000 has been raised by participants towards global suicide prevention efforts. If you would like to donate to the campaign, please click here.β―Β
IASP is grateful to everyone who has taken part in Cycle Around the Globe 2023 for their support and for helping to prevent suicide. The event’s success sends a message of hope, showing that people from all walks of life can come together, make a difference, and change the narrative around suicide to create a more compassionate world. As the sun sets on the tenth annual Cycle Around the Globe, it’s evident that the commitment to suicide prevention awareness will continue to grow around the world.Β Β
If you would like to discuss engagement opportunities ahead of Cycle Around the Globe 2024, please contact communications@iasp.infoΒ Β Β
Photo: TelΓ©fono De La Esperanza
Photo: CCC Foundation
Photo: LivingWorks PALS
Photo: Vilnius Sveikau
Photo: Verizon
