1.04.2010
story by Mark Robinson
The first step in a very long journey for Byron Bay football player, Sheldon Thomson, was taken in this years pre-season when the Byron Bay FC RideforsmilesTM six-a- side tournament was held at the Byron Bay Recreation Ground.
The event kick started Sheldon's driving ambition to ride a motorcycle through 10 African nations and into Europe later this year to raise awareness and donations for several worthy causes.
After a near fatal road accident in late 2007 when hit from behind by a semi-trailer, Sheldon was left with 12 fractured ribs, a lacerated liver, collapsed lung, five fractures in the back and a head injury. But during his long recuperation the last thing on his mind was feeling sorry for himself â€" he focused on how lucky he was and how he may be able to help those less fortunate.
I've always wanted to go to Africa, so I set myself a goal of riding a motorcycle through Africa up into Europe and helping out in some way on my journey", Sheldon said.
Combining his love of soccer and motorcycles, Sheldon came up with the plan to ride a Kawasaki KLR 650 more than 15000km from South Africa all the way to Europe with mate Graeme Miller.
During their four month trip they will distribute soccer gear raised to isolated communities in Ethiopia where he is also trying to help get an inter-school competition up and running.
The six-a-side tournament run by the Byron Bay Football Club raised 25 pairs of boots, a number of shorts, soccer shirts and socks to help the children in Ethiopia.
Sheldon is looking to schools here to establish sister-school relationships in conjunction with Link Ethiopia as well as calling for support for Rider for Health, which provides access to vehicles for health care workers in parts of Africa.
He has already enlisted the support of Football Queensland which is supporting and donating equipment and apparel to the cause.
Sheldon is asking for any club or individual to help by donating boots, uniforms and anything else that may assist.
Visit Sheldon's website at http://www.rideforsmiles.com/
