SWANS midfielder Ryan O’Keefe runs more than 10 kilometres a game and cycles to work at the Club every day.

But all that will look easy when he embarks on a 500 kilometre journey through mountainous country in Vietnam in October.

So why, after a hard season with the Swans, would O’Keefe decide to put his body through more pain?

It’s all for a very good cause, as the cycle ride through Vietnam will raise funds for the Swans official charity partner, Oncology Children’s Foundation (OCF).

O’Keefe is an OCF ambassador, as is former Swan, Jared Crouch, and the pair will  undertake the cycling tour together, and hope to raise $50,000.

The 12-day cycling tour of Vietnam is part of OCF’s 200tomorrows program of cycling and trekking challenges around the globe.

OCF supports research into cures for childhood cancers and since its inception in 2008, the 200tomorrows challenges have raised more than $500,000.  O’Keefe said he was looking forward to tackling the tough terrain of the Vietnamese mountains and urged all Swans fans to get behind him.

“The Sydney Swans have a proud association with OCF and my role as an ambassador is one I am very passionate about,” he said.

“With 200 children sadly falling victim to cancer each year in Australia, I feel honoured to be able to help in some small way and hope that Swans supporters will get behind me by donating,” O’Keefe said.
 
There are two ways Swans fans can get on board with Ryan and Jared. A limited number of spots on the trip are available to members of the public. Those lucky enough to secure a spot will take part in an exciting and spectacular journey in the far north of Vietnam.

Crouch said he’d been cycling to get fit to keep off the extra weight that had crept on since he finished playing and was looking forward to the challenge of riding for 12 days.

For more information on how to join Ryan in Vietnam or to donate, please visit www.ocf.com.au/SydneySwansVietnam

For more information on the Sydney Swans Vietnam Cycling Charity Challenge please visit http://www.200tomorrows.com.au/BookingRetrieve.aspx?ID=41915