The indefatigable Knights in White Lycra are marking a decade of getting fit and giving back with the organization’s 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner at the Conrad Hotel Tokyo on July 7.
As well as an opportunity to celebrate 10 years of supporting good causes through their long-distance cycling endeavors, the evening will be a chance to raise more funds, welcome new friends, and look to the future—all the while having fun, the Knights emphasize. And there is no need to be associated with the organization to take part, they add.
Buy KIWL 10th Anniversary Gala Tickets
The evening will start with canapes accompanied by pianist Phillip Woo and jazz singer Aimee Blackschleger, followed by carnival-style games to win raffle tickets, a silent auction, and a series of speakers. Guests will also be treated to an outstanding dinner.
The stunning silent auction prizes include an eight-night cruise with MSC Cruises aboard the MSC Bellissima; a five-day hike along a stretch of the Nakasendo Way, courtesy of Walk Japan; and overnight stays at some of the most exclusive hotels in Tokyo, Hiroshima, and Seoul. Other prizes have been donated by Jo Malone London, Decathlon, JTB Travel, and Wimbledon Brewery.
In Support of Worthy Causes
The Knights have taken to their wheeled steeds and covered countless kilometers over the last decade to raise funds for charities such as YouMeWe, NPO Esperanza, OGA for Aid, and Save Minamisoma Project. This year, they are continuing their support for Mirai No Mori, an NPO that creates life-changing outdoor programs for abused, neglected, and orphaned children in Japan, supporting them as they grow into happy and successful young adults.
“The Knights in White Lycra were set up on the back of the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami tragedy in north-east Japan and we had our first ride in 2013 to raise money for survivors in the region,” said Rob Williams, chair and founder of the organization.
“Back then, we were 10 British blokes with big bellies and we thought it would be a one-off ride, but we were amazed at our own achievements and then at meeting the survivors in Tohoku,” he said. “That really resonated with us and made us want to do more.”
Rides during the Knights’ first three years were primarily to areas affected by the disaster as it rebuilt, but have subsequently expanded into golf events, futsal tournaments, pub quizzes, and a number of other inventive ways of raising funds for those in need.
The pandemic made cycling trips difficult, but the Knights are confident they are back on track now, said Williams.
To date, the group has raised a remarkable ¥126 million, which Williams agrees is “not bad” for what was originally envisioned as a one-off event.
The Knights will be taking to their bicycles in the coming weeks, with a team of 47 riders aged between 23 and 67 preparing to hit the road. The organization is also working hard to attract a more diverse membership, with half-a-dozen of this year's riders women and around 10 Japanese cyclists in the group.
And as always, KIWL is looking for more support for their chosen charities.
Event Details
Buy Tickets: https://kiwlgala2023.peatix.com/
Become a Sponsor: Contact Rob Williams, KIWL Chair & Co-Founder, info@kiwl.net or visit their contact page and fill out the form.
Date: Friday, July 7, 2023
Time: 6:30–10pm
Venue: Conrad Hotel Tokyo: 1-9-1 Higashishinbashi, Minato-ku
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uotJ2yKU1IY
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Julian Ryall
