Midland Simon to partner first Irish team in gruelling Dakar Rally

The first Irish team to compete in what's regarded as one of the world's toughest and most popular motor sport events, The Dakar Rally, is aiming to raise some €50,000 for the Midland Simon community. The rally, takes place in January 2010 in Argentina and Chile. "Team Dakar Ireland" will endeavour to complete the gruelling 10,000 km course, which travels through varied terrain including mountains and deserts from Buenos Aires to Santiago and back. Last year's rally was watched by over 2.2 billion spectators on TV, and by over 3.5 million spectators along the various stages and routes. The Rally is open to competitors in 3 different categories, cars, Trucks, and Bikes. Team Dakar Ireland is the only fully Irish team to ever compete in the event and is entering in the bike category. "Team Dakar Ireland" is a team made entirely of volunteers who have dedicated themselves to taking on the challenge of finishing in the top 80, and to raise as much money for charity as possible in the process. Dr. Gerald Kean officially launched "Team Dakar Ireland" in the magnificent grounds of Birr Castle, which through the Rosse family, has a history of innovation and pioneering. Given this history and the Midlands base of most of the team, and the excellent support received from Lord and Lady Rosse it was the perfect location for the launch. As well as flying the flag for Ireland, the team are also working in partnership with the Midlands Simon Community to help them raise much needed funds. Gary O'Keeffe, Team Dakar Ireland Manager said: "Team Dakar Ireland is also proud to announce our partnership with Midlands Simon. People who experience homelessness face more challenges in life than most. The services and supports provided by Simon to enable people to overcome the many difficulties associated with having no home, and move out of homelessness, and the volunteering emphasis of Simon are a perfect fit with the spirit of Team Dakar Ireland. It is our aim to raise at least 50,000 for Midlands Simon through a range of fundraising events and also to help them to highlight the issue of homelessness". Tony O' Riordan, CEO Midlands Simon Community, said: "We are absolutely delighted to be associated with Team Dakar Ireland. It is a very significant boost to our work to be the official charity of the first ever Irish team in what is undoubtedly the toughest and one of the most watched sporting events in the world." People can show support for Team Dakar Ireland by logging on to www.teamdakarireland.com or by supporting any of the events between now and January. As the team are all volunteers there are also exciting sponsorship opportunities available and there will be a documentary film made covering the efforts in Argentina and Chile.