You have probably heard about Rudy van Prooyen, the guy biking across the country to raise money for safe drinking water around the world? (DebbieD Had a chance to interview him, and I recently had a chance to mingle with the people behind him at Blue Planet Run.)
Rudy just came through LA on his bicycling route and checked in to the socially-conscious and posh Viceroy in Santa Monica. Only, after biking all the way from San Francisco over a period of a few weeks, Rudy was so grody they thought he was some kind of derelict homeless man! Ha. We think he's awesome, of course. You should check out his national route, he might be coming to your city. (Do a double take at that 'homeless' man you see in the park, 'cause if he's got a bike, it might be Rudy!) Kidding.
Anyways, last Friday I went to check out the Viceroy myself - and partake in the "Drink for Water" Blue Planet Run event. Afterall, drinking martinis was the sporting event for the evening, and I intended to be smooth like James Bond. Also, the Blue Planet Run Martini has blueberries in it, yummmy. Check out the event, the lovely Sabrina Walasek, and the Viceroy:
I didn't realize just how many people were affected globally by lack of safe drinking water - and how easy it is to change. Whether you like martinis or not, if you can run, swim, bike, dribble, pitch, whatever, you can get on board with Blue Planet Run. Seriously, almost any kind of sport you know how to play can be used to help people across the world transform their lives. Completely.
"Unlike you or me, over one billion people on earth have no safe drinking water. Women and children may walk up to 6 hours a day get water, and even then, it may not be enough, or safe enough to drink. Many drink contaminated water and then get sick. 2.2 million human beings die each year from water borne illnesses. 6,000 people die every day and 240 children die every hour. But there is hope...." (from Rudy's blog)
This summer Rudy Van Prooyen will cycle 2,200 miles to raise awareness for the water crisis and hopes to raise $20,000 for water projects around the world. He will start in San Francisco by running the SF Marathon, and then cycle and run all over this country, until finally ending in Montreal, Canada. That kind of money will give SO many people the gift of life through access to clean drinking water.
I had the opportunity to interview Rudy, and this is what he had to say:
Have you ever done anything like this before?
Not exactly! After my college years I hitchhiked half way-around the world through Europe, the Middle East and North America. Although I wouldn’t recommend it today, it was perhaps the thing to do in those days. There were no distractions like computers, facebook, twitter, etc. Later on in life I started participating in athletic social action events, like week long trail biking trips, and then in 2007, I participated in the relay run around the world for the Blue Planet Run Foundation. You can read more on that in my Blue Planet Run blog @ www.rudyvanprooyen.blogspot.com
How did you find out about/ get involved with Blue Planet Run?
I first heard about the Blue Planet Run at the Atlanta marathon expo in November 2006 and was shocked to learn that so many people lacked access to safe drinking water. Going from attraction to action, I logged on to www.blueplanetrun.org that night, applied for the Blue Planet Run and made a donation to the cause. Never thinking to hear from them again, several months later they contacted me for an interview. Over the next several months more than 350 applicants were screened and reviewed and I ended up as one of the 21 runners / spoke persons selected. I felt exuberant and honored to be included in this incredible mission. A truly life changing moment, I will never forget it.
Tell me more about your around-the-world relays...
All 21 runners had been recruited by the blue planet foundation, an NGO founded by Jin Zidell, who several years earlier master minded the idea of a foot race around the world, to draw attention to the lack of potable drinking water, affecting more than 15% of the world population. We varied in ages from 23 to 60, spanning a multitude of different nationalities, cultural upbringings and a variety of athletic backgrounds, and not surprisingly had a lot in common. Without exception we are all adventurous, enjoy travel, love to run and most importantly have a desire to make our world a better place for all to live! Once acquainted, we quickly became family, and our common goal exuded a positive energy and aura. On June first 2007 we began our journey as foot soldiers and global messengers from the steps of the United Nations building in downtown New York City. We ran across three continents, sixteen nations, including Belarus, Russia’s Siberia, Mongolia’s Gobi desert, China and Japan. Ninety-five days later we would return there, completing a first ever social-action epic 15,200 mile running-for-water event.
When the going gets tough, how do you keep going?
You dig deep, grid your teeth and think about all those people that lack access to safe drinking water and are struggling and dying because of contaminated water sources. When I lace up my running shoes now or jump on my bike it conjures up a feeling far greater than the activity or the tough moment itself. My blue planet ride is so much more than a few pedal strokes around the country. It is an initiative to instill an attitude towards reaching out to those in need for safe drinking water and by doing so repair the world and helping make it a better place to live for everyone. This is what inspires me daily and it feels good to be alive and able to contribute to a better tomorrow.
What message would you like to spread with this ride?
That we live in a world of disparity. While one side of the globe is handed opportunity and good fortune, the other half is struggling to survive under conditions most of us can’t even imagine. Born in the Netherlands, and now living in the United States, I have lived a sheltered life without concern for basic life essentials. Having taken all of that for granted while growing up, I now as an adult am very aware of this imbalance and feel the need to be part of the solution.
So my message is that we are collectively responsible to take care of one and other, near and far, no matter what creed, color or religion. Only by our actions can we be an example to others, so that they can learn this most valuable life lesson and sustain this obligation from generation to generation. Because making a positive difference is our duty and should be a human response for living on this planet.
Anything else?
There is hope, because the solutions are so simple and collectively we have the power to solve this human crisis that is going on in front of our very own eyes, tragically mostly unnoticed. I hope many will see the need for speed to save lifes and help the blue planet ride event with a donation.
Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer Peter Vanderkaay (a.k.a. PVK) thinks water is cool. Very cool. So cool, in fact, that he teamed up with Blue Planet Run to raise awareness about our global water crisis.
Now Peter is swimming several days per week, and he estimates that he will swim 560 miles in training over the next couple of months! But in the midst of his very busy training schedule, Peter found the time to make a video about water sustainability with a few tips on how to ensure safe water access.
So how much do you think you know about clean water? Take the quiz.
And remember to support Peter in his efforts to promote safe water for drinking and sanitation around the world!
2004 and 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer Peter Vanderkaay joined Team Blue earlier this year to help raise money and awareness for global water issues. Team Blue is a project of Blue Planet Run—an organization that addresses the billion people around the world who lack access to clean drinking water and sanitation.
Right now, Peter is training to compete at the National Swimming Championships in July. He estimates that he will swim 560 miles in training during the next few months, and he is using those miles to raise money for Blue Planet Run.
I recently had the opportunity to interview Peter about swimming, life, and his dedication to promoting safe water access. Check out what Peter had to say:
When did you start swimming?
I started swimming when I was 7 years old. I never dreamed that I would be swimming at age 25 professionally or at the Olympics. I never had that goal when I was younger. Growing up, I had a love for the sciences and either wanted to be a doctor or a medical researcher. I still really do love science, so who knows where my career may lead outside of the pool.
What sparked your interest in global water issues?
Growing up in Michigan, my family spent a lot of time outdoors on the lakes in the summers. Being a swimmer, I've always had an affinity to the water and as I grew up, I became more aware of the issues surrounding clean water. I'd love to make sure that people have the same opportunities to enjoy water that I have had. I feel that if there is any way I can help, I need to get involved.
How did you get involved with Blue Planet Run?
After the Olympics in Beijing, I knew I wanted to further commit myself to raising awareness about the world’s water crisis. I did some research and came across Blue Planet Run, who combine two of my passions: clean water and exercise. They have helped further my understanding on the breadth of the crisis and have intensified my passion to make an impact.
Where have you traveled to since joining Team Blue?
So far I have traveled to Chicago and the surrounding areas since joining Team Blue. Because of my training schedule, it has been tough for me to get involved as much as I would like. As I travel to different swim meets and events across the country I make sure to share Blue Planet Run’s message, especially by sharing my BPR trading cards with fans.
Do you play any other water sports?
I don't play anything else competitively but I enjoy almost everything in the water. Surfing, sailing, and kayaking are some of my favorite things to do besides swimming.
Anything else we should know?
Right now I live and train in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where I got a degree in Biology from the University of Michigan. London is in my sights, but I’m very focused on U.S. National Championships, which are in Indianapolis from July 7 -11. If I qualify, I will be in Rome in late July. Both events are going to be nationally televised, so I hope all of my fans and supporters of Team Blue will get a chance to watch. I really look forward to spreading the importance of water sustainability on a national and international stage!
Peter is encouraging others to swim for clean water. Check out Peter's Team Blue page to see how you can get involved!
1.1 billion people in the world do not have access to safe drinking water, roughly one-sixth of the world's population.
2.2 million people in developing countries, most of them children, die every year from diseases associated with lack of access to safe drinking water, inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene.
Half of the world's hospital beds are filled with people suffering from water related illnesses.
In the past 10 years, diarrhea has killed more children than all the people lost to armed conflict since World War II.
An estimated 25% of people from cities in developing countries purchase their water from vendors at a significantly higher price than piped water. In some cases, at the cost of more than a quarter of their household incomes.
These figures were provided by Blue Planet Run, a foundation that works in collaboration with community and government groups to fund water projects around the world. Together, they are striving to provide safe drinking water to 200 million people by 2027.
Lots of regular folks are joining the movement for safe drinking water. Some people donate cash, others join the Facebook Group and spread the message, and still others tie up their sneakers and go for a run. Athletes around the world are running, swimming, climbing, hooping, tackling, skating, cycling, and sporting to raise money for clean drinking water access in the developing world. The YouthNoise DROP campaign and Play City are proud to be a part of this movement :)
Below: Athlete-activists run through China for water's sake.
And here's the best part: there are no limitations to running, walking, cycling, or otherwise athleticizing (yes, I just made up a word) for clean water. There is no minimum fundraising requirement, and anyone—even you—can set up a community sporting to benefit Blue Planet Run.
Click here for more info on marathons and Blue Planet Run events. Also be sure to visit the YouthNoise DROP campaign to learn about solutions to our global water crisis.
Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer 
These figures were provided by 
