In a historic event, Skål International Pune successfully hosted the ‘Pedal for a Purpose’ Cyclothon on 22nd September, marking a significant milestone for Pune’s travel fraternity.

The event, which brought together over 80 riders and 220 total participants, aimed not only at fostering unity but also at making a meaningful social impact.

It all began as a spark of inspiration at a Skål International networking event—an idea born out of excitement, passion, and a collective desire to create something truly unique. Instead of following the usual formats of B2B networking sessions or organizing a regular sporting event like a cricket tournament, the Skål International Pune team wanted to make a statement. The goal was clear: to do something meaningful, memorable, and aligned with a greater purpose. And thus, the idea of the ‘Pedal for Purpose’ Cyclothon was born.

The vision was simple yet powerful: not just to organize another event, but to kickstart World Tourism Week in a way that blended celebration with a deep sense of social responsibility. We wanted to emphasize our obligations towards the environment and the community that supports us. What better way to symbolize this than through a Cyclothon—a platform to bring the travel fraternity together while making an impact on issues that matter?

The Cyclothon, meticulously planned, was flagged off at 7:30 AM by esteemed dignitaries including Mr. Amit Sharma, GM Amanora The Fern, Mr. Abhishek Sahai, GM Conrad Pune, Mr. Pankaj Saxena, GM Radisson Blu Kharadi Pune, and Mr. Biswajit Biswas, Executive Director Ana Hotels & Resorts.

Throughout the ride, participants stopped at 3 Impact Points, where they pledged to:

1. Plant 5 trees this year to promote a greener environment.

2. Follow road safety rules to ensure responsible commuting.

3. Reduce plastic usage, committing to a more sustainable future.

After completing the route, riders were greeted with a grand welcome by a team of over 30 Dhol Tasha (drumming players), creating an electrifying atmosphere full of energy and excitement.

Beyond the Cyclothon, the event offered a wide variety of engaging activities for non-riders, including Yoga and Zumba sessions, a painting competition for all age groups, and an array of games and entertainment. The event also featured spectacular dance performances and beatboxing acts, adding to the festive mood.

Attendees enjoyed a delicious breakfast spread, and the day concluded with exciting lucky draws and prize distributions.

Mr. Shahbehram Rabbani, President of Skål International Pune, made a special mention of the event's associate partners TAAI, TAFI, PHA, & IIHM, acknowledging their support in making this event a true celebration of unity and social responsibility. With medical support from Manipal Hospitals and insurance coverage from Asego, the event showcased the power of collaboration for a greater social cause.

The Supporting Partners of this event were: Amanora The Fern, GRN Connect, Ashok Travel & Tours, Hotel Aurora Towers, One Above, The Travel Masters, UdChalo, Selvel, GoodWill Travel, Bingo, Chalo DMC, EaseMy Voyage, Vacanza Travels, Roving Steps, Udaan Management, Sabre, Asego, Manipal Hospitals, Radisson Blu Kharadi Pune, Hyatt Pune.