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CELEBRITY SPORTS STARS SEEK FRIENDS FOR COMMUNITY BIKE RIDE TO RAISE FUNDS FOR BC CANCER FOUNDATION
Axel Merckx, Trevor Linden, Ross Rebagliati & Alex Stieda cycle for cancer
May 1, 2008, Vancouver - Cycling superstars Axel Merckx and Alex Stieda, hometown hockey hero Trevor Linden and Olympic gold medalist Ross Rebagliati are going for a bike ride on June 1st and they want company.
At a pep rally outside the BC Cancer Agency’s research centre in Vancouver today, Axel, Trevor and Ross invited anyone who can push a pedal to join them on June 1 for a 36km bike ride along West 10th Avenue through the scenic beauty of the UBC endowment lands. The ride is part of BC Cancer Foundation’s Westside Cycling Classic, presented by the Airey Group.
All funds raised will support cancer research at the BC Cancer Agency, which provides a province-wide, population-based cancer control program to everyone in B.C., including prevention, early detection, care and research.
“This will be a great way for people to get back into the spirit of cycling before summer and at the same time support a great cause,” said Tour de France veteran Axel Merckx.
Trevor Linden agreed, but said jokingly that he wanted more company than just the three other stars.
“I really admire these guys and enjoy riding with them, but I want to share this event with as many other people as possible. Our goal is to raise funds for the BC Cancer Foundation and we need the public’s help to do that, so I encourage you to register for the BC Cancer Foundation’s Westside Cycling Classic today,” Trevor said.
Swapping his snowboard for a bicycle is nothing unusual for Ross Rebagliati. An avid cyclist, he is looking forward to the June 1 event.
“What could be better than a lazy Sunday afternoon ride through the streets of Vancouver in spring, while raising money for cancer research?” he asked.
Canadian cyclist Alex Stieda, the first North American to wear the Yellow Jersey in the Tour de France, was not at today’s pep rally, but will be riding on June 1 and sent his best wishes to fans and supporters.
Cancer survivor and BC Cancer Foundation Westside Cycling Classic community ride participant Andrew Gregory, has personal experience of the great work of the BC Cancer Agency. He spoke of the care he received from Agency doctors and staff, and urged people to help support research at the BC Cancer Agency by signing up for the ride.
“I know how important it is for cancer research to keep moving towards new discoveries and better treatments. I also know that it won’t happen without adequate funding, which is why events like the Westside Cycling Classic community ride are so important,” he said.
Honorary co-chair of the BC Cancer Foundation’s Westside Cycling Classic, Kelowna-Mission MLA and cancer survivor Sindi Hawkins said the participation of the four sports stars in the event was a major commitment that demonstrated how much they care about cancer research.
“They are more than sports heroes. They are community heroes. We are honored and grateful that they made time in their busy schedules to help the BC Cancer Foundation on June 1st. I also want to encourage their fans to support them and to ride with us to raise funds for cancer research,” she said.
BC Cancer Agency President and aspirant Westside Cycling Classic community ride participant Dr. Simon Sutcliffe echoed Sindi’s comments.
“We depend heavily on the goodwill of people like these sports stars. Their ability to inspire the public to support our cause is invaluable. I’m looking forward to a great day on June 1 and I hope that many more people will join us,” he said.
Adult participants in the BC Cancer Foundation’s Westside Cycling Classic community ride, presented by the Airey Group, will each need to raise a minimum of $300 for the BC Cancer Foundation. The money will go towards research at the BC Cancer Agency.
The main 36km ride will take place from 2:30 to 5:00 pm on June 1 around a 12km closed loop course that starts and finishes on West 10th Avenue at Sasamat. (For full course details and map visit: www.cycleforcancer.com) There will also be a 12.5km ride for participants aged 12 to 17 and a two-block ride for cyclists aged four to 11 from 2:00 to 2:30 p.m.
The top fundraiser will win a deluxe, guided trip for two to the 2008 Tour de France. The first 10 fundraisers to raise $10,000 will be invited to a private dinner with Axel Merckx, Trevor Linden and friends. Kids that raise the most money will win Nintendo Wii or DS systems donated by Nintendo Canada.
REGISTRATION AND DONATIONS
• Online: www.cycleforcancer.com
• Phone: 604-696-BIKE (2453)
• E-mail: ridereg@cycleforcancer.com
The BC Cancer Foundation, established in 1935, raises funds to support research and enhancements to care at the BC Cancer Agency, throughout B.C. All funds raised remain in B.C.
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For information:
Judy Hamill, Communications Officer,
BC Cancer Foundation: 604 707 5934, cell 604 802 6984
jhamill@bccancer.bc.ca
Chris Freimond, Media Relations,
604 990 1378, cell 778 840 2428
chris@cfpr.ca |
