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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, June 9, 2016 | 18 Dutch cycling enthusiast tells students to dream big by Julia Le Oakville Beaver Staff Following your dreams can be challenging, especially if you dream as big as Alwart Boers. The Dutch cycling enthusiast put his life and career as a chemical engineer on hold nearly two years ago as he set out on a bicycle to journey around the world in support of the global organization Right to Play. Boers hasn't looked back, having travelled 30,000 kilometres through Europe, Africa and North America since September 2014. The 24-year-old has raised nearly $16,000 to help children in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and North America build life skills through the power of play. The Right to Play has more than 14,000 volunteer coaches, who reach one million children weekly using sports and games as a tool to educate and empower children and youths to overcome the effects of poverty, conflict and disease in disadvantaged areas. Boers told Glenburnie School Grades 4-8 students, during a stop at the private coeducational school Tuesday (May 31), what it took for him to get on the path towards achieving his dreams. Even before he put his feet to the pedals, he said he spent nine months planning the trip and itemizing what supplies he would need for his journey, including weather-appropriate clothing, a tent, cooking supplies, food, water and more. The plan helped prepare Boers for the most gruelling, but inspiring, adventure of his life, he said. The support of his close friends and family also provided him with encouragement, as well as a desire to prove the naysayers -- some of Hurry in for Summer Treats Alwart Boers whom joked he'd likely be eaten by lions in Africa -- wrong. Standing atop a mountain overlooking Lake Louise in Banff, Alta., Boers said "following his heart" brought him to another realization. "With my dream, I can also support others," he said, noting how every single morning he wakes up thankful for the adventurous life he is able to lead. But not everyone can afford to follow their heart, he said, and that's why he has put his support behind Right to Play. Along the way, Boers has been sharing his story with hundreds of students in hopes of inspiring them to follow their dreams, big or small. The cyclist has visited 30 classrooms in countries around the world and was on a speaking tour in the Greater Toronto Area for two weeks when he visited Glenburnie, before he heads to Mexico where his bike and next adventure await him. Boers asked the Glenburnie students what their dreams were, and one after another, he heard of hopes of becoming professional athletes, world travellers, Olympians and artists. Other dreams included creating world peace, helping the less fortunate or climbing every mountain on the globe. Boers encouraged them to strive to realize those dreams as well as helping peers, who may have not realize their dreams just yet, find their passion. see Right on p.38 Introducing a member of our family, here to help your family. We're proud to welcome Robert Csele to our team of caring professionals. At your time of need or when planning ahead, rely on Robert for the personalized solutions you need. To start planning, call Robert Csele for a FREE Information Kit! 905-842-2252 follow us: Look for us on Facebook Visit www.oakviewfuneral.ca for a virtual tour of our funeral home. walkerschocolates.ca Hamilton | Burlington | Oakville Oakview Funeral Home by Arbor Memorial Arbor Memorial Inc. 56 Lakeshore Road, W., Oakville Family Owned. Proudly Canadian. · Assisted Living · 24 Hr Medic Alert · Roomy Modern Suites · Recreation Activities · Utilities & Basic Cable Included · Full Kitchens in Suites · 2 Wholesome Meals + Snacks Leaky Basement? Call Us! · Crack k Injection nje Repair Specialist · Wise Dry Interior Drain Systems · Lifetime Fully Transferrable Warranty · Masonry/Parging Repairs Permanently "lock In"your rent plus receIve a $2,000 rebate....aSk uS HoW" Book a Tour... Enjoy Lunch on us! Call Us... 905-510-9739 1056 Queens Avenue, Oakville | 905.815.0862 www.queensavenueretirement.com | E:admin@queensavenueretirement.com Professional, Cost E ective Solutions for Wet wayne@wisecracks.com Basements w w w. H a l t o n Wi s e C ra c k s. co m R0063759717 Queens Avenue Retirement Residence