With the participation of the (BICDAD) team, the Iraqi Red Crescent Society arranged a scout camp in the archaeological ziggurat of Akkarkov to encourage young people to learn more about archaeological locations and create career prospects for young people. With the participation of more than 40 professional cyclists of various ages and both sexes, the cycling squad set off from the touristic city of Al-Zawra towards the archaeological ziggurat (35 km) from Baghdad’s centre.
“The organization of scouting camps in archaeological areas is part of the activities of the (Union through the Power of Football) programme, which is organized by the Iraqi Red Crescent Society with the support of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, and coordination was made with the (BICDAD) team,” said Nabil Nayef, director of the Iraqi Red Crescent’s Baghdad branch.
(BICDAD), one of the largest bicycling teams in the Middle East, is a group of young people who have been trained in a variety of human development and other activities. “
Young people who go to the camp will learn more about history and civilization, as well as how to make small models of archaeological monuments that tourists and visitors can buy. They will also learn how to make handicrafts and craft skills that could lead to jobs for young people in the areas around archaeological locations.
“The (BICDAD) volunteer team has many qualities and objectives, including working to spread the culture of interest,” Hassan Faleh, the director of the (Bike Dad) bicycle team and an international coach, confirmed his happiness and his constant eagerness to participate in such educational activities, particularly those related to the revitalization of archaeological tourism in Iraq, adding: “The (BICDAD) volunteer team has many qualities and objectives, including working to distribute the culture of interest, the history of Iraq, and the country’s sports culture.
Anfal Abdel (a team member for over a year) stated that her passion for cycling motivated her to join the team and accompany them on many of his training tours in various locations, particularly archaeological and touristic ones, and that biking is one of the most beautiful sports in high demand.
She also added that feminist participation sends several messages to the community, which views women’s use of bicycles as strange, and this participation is to promote a culture of interest in archaeological locations and make them recognized, as they represent an important cultural and economic resource. They also provide many career opportunities for young people if work is done intensively, and we are here to make this mission a success.