I came across this story via Wiggle, an online bicycle store (a pretty well stocked one too). It's a great example of how we can channel resources from the sport we love into something that will make a difference in local communities that need them.

Last August, Wiggle launched a competition for a set of bicycle gear and asked people to send in their entries stating why they should win the kit. The winning entry was from a lady who wrote the following:

I think I deserve to win the Shimano XT Comp set because I would like to donate it to one of the Gambian Cycling team that we are trying to support in a country that does not support sports and makes it very difficult to both race and acquire new gear. My husband and I try our best to support a time trial every two months and try to put bikes together to help these guys, but most of the time these guys are riding bikes that can not be repaired as they can not get the spare parts. This Shimano XT groupset will go a long way in helping one of the team perform better and hopefully do better in the next Commonwealth games.

The prize, and the support that followed on from it changed the life of a local Gambian and the future of their sport in the country.

You can read the full story here.