Title: The Budapest-Bamako Rally returns to Freetown for the third time
Introduction :
The Budapest-Bamako Rally, the world’s largest amateur vehicle race and Africa’s largest humanitarian event, recently made its triumphant return to Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone. Cars from all over Europe traveled thousands of kilometers through different countries to reach West Africa. This year, for the first time, Sierra Leoneans took part in this adventure, using their participation to raise awareness about autism.
Raising awareness about autism:
For Ibrahim Cole, co-founder of Puzzle Pieces, this participation was a dream come true. “I couldn’t have chosen better people to go on this journey with. Autism touches us all closely – he has a nephew [pointing to another participant] and I have my son.” Another participant, also an artist, Drizilik, wants to encourage Sierra Leoneans to get involved in humanitarian causes. “I enjoyed being a part of this cause and spending time with these two gentlemen,” he says.
A boost for tourism:
According to Andrew Szabo, founder and director of the Budapest-Bamako Rally, Freetown was chosen as the final destination of the race due to the security situation in Mali. “I have been organizing the Budapest-Bamako Rally for 18 years, and it is a fantastic experience. The participants had a great time and it is an authentic and sincere way to discover West Africa and the Sahara,” he explains. Sierra Leonean Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Tunis, considers this venture a remarkable undertaking that will contribute to revenue generation for the country. “We are looking at a multiplier effect on the economy. Imagine you have 600 people in the country, who will definitely book hotel rooms etc. So there will definitely be a noticeable improvement in revenue generation in the coming days. We are also happy about the integration – because they are there to experience Sierra Leone as it really is,” she says.
Conclusion :
This year, more than 600 participants from around the world took part in the Budapest-Bamako Rally in Sierra Leone, with more than 300 vehicles covering major routes from Bureh Town in rural West to the line arrival at Lumley, in the Western Urban Area. The race was not only an exciting adventure for participants, but it also helped promote tourism and raise awareness for important causes, such as autism. The Budapest-Bamako Rally is an event that leaves a lasting imprint on both the participants and the countries it passes through.